ልጅ እናቷን ምጥ አስተማረች
“The child taught its mother how to give birth.”
Mocks the absurdity of someone instructing a person who is far more experienced than they are.
— Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom, Ethiopia
Source: Traditional Ethiopian (Amharic) proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Ethiopia
When spider webs unite, they can tie up a lion.
Individually weak people or efforts become powerful when they join together in unity.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
Read more →
Little by little, an egg will walk on its legs.
With patience and gradual, steady effort even seemingly impossible things are accomplished.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
Read more →
Stretch your legs according to the length of your blanket.
Live within your means and act according to your resources and circumstances.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
Read more →
When the hyena has already left, the dog starts barking.
Taking action or raising an alarm after the danger has passed is useless.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
Read more →
The river carries you away while it is laughing (looking gentle).
Danger and ruin often arrive disguised in a pleasant, harmless-looking form.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
Read more →
What is tied while running comes loose while running.
Things done hastily and carelessly fall apart just as quickly.
Traditional Ethiopia Wisdom
Read more →