Chic African Culture Africa Factbook

It Is Easy To Cut To Pieces A Dead Elephant

In African proverbs on cowardly behavior, cowards cannot fight for themselves, and hatred is the coward's revenge for being intimidated.

These proverbs on being cowardly come from being afraid, resulting in being unable to stand up for oneself. The proverbs serve as reminders that it is often easier to confront or overcome something or someone when they are already weakened or in a vulnerable state. They emphasize the importance of being aware of power dynamics and not underestimating the potential strength or impact of seemingly insignificant factors or individuals.

Blue African man

African proverbs on cowardly behavior.

A hog that has wallowed in the mud seeks a clean person to rub against.

When a lion is dead, even a rabbit can kick it.

When a horse is lame, even flies will bite it.

Boasting is not courage.

It is easy to cut to pieces a dead elephant.

Even silence speaks.

He who has done something in secret sees people talking together and thinks they are talking of his action.

A man with a cough can never conceal himself.

The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid but he who conquers that fear.

He who thinks he is leading and has no one following him is only taking a walk.

Careful the company you keep
Careful the company you keep

It is better to be a lion for a day than a sheep all your life.

A roaring lion kills no prey.

The broken reed will not pierce the tortoise shell.

Do not insult the alligator until you have crossed the river.

When the big tree falls, the goats can climb it.

A house built on another man's back seldom lasting long.

An ant on its own can kill an elephant.

Resentment, the armor of the coward, shields them from facing their own shortcomings.

Strength comes not from striking others but from conquering the fears within.



Wise African Proverb

Wise African Proverb

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