Kutsva kwendebvu, varume vanodzimurana.

“When the beard catches fire, men help put out one another's.”

In times of real trouble everyone needs help from others; no one manages a crisis entirely alone.

Kandiro kanoenda kunobva kamwe.

“The little dish that is sent out returns from the very place it was sent.”

Kindness shown to others tends to come back to the one who gave it first.

Mapudzi anowira kune vasina hari.

“Pumpkins fall to those who have no pot to cook them in.”

Good fortune sometimes lands on people who are not prepared to make the most of it.

Murombo haarovi chine nguo.

“A poor man never manages to kill an animal with a fine hide.”

Poverty has a way of reinforcing itself, denying the poor even the rare stroke of luck.

Afa haachatyi kuora.

“One who has already died no longer fears decay.”

Once a person has committed fully to a course of action, there is no turning back from its consequences.

Aiva madziva, ava mazambuko.

“What used to be deep pools are now shallow crossings.”

Circumstances and fortunes change with time; nothing stays exactly as it was.