LIBERIAN PARABLES..

"Proverbs are the palm oil with which words are eaten." Chinua Achebe

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When an angry cat eats its kitten, it does not care for the kittens of other cats.

Meaning:

A good leader sets precedence by disciplining people closer to him first. He will not hesitate to take drastic actions others after disciplining his own people.

A tree can't turn into a fish no matter how long it stays under water.

Meaning: You will never become a citizen by birth no matter how long you stay in in another country.

December 13, 2004 (Melvin Dolo, Monrovia, Liberia)

A dog that brings bones carries back bones.

July 16, 2004 (Irvington Ben)

Meaning: Someone who brings news (gossips) carries back news.

A child who washes his hands clean eats with elders.

June 7, 2004 (J. B. Collins Belleh)

Meaning: A respectful child often earns the respect of the elders.

December 25, 2003

If you want to know the secret of a village, mingle with the older folks and children

Older folks have the key to a village secret. Children often hear the news from grapevine but they too, are good sources.

December 25, 2003 - (James Gatei)

Everyone wants snake circumsized but no one is willing to hold the head during the process.

Meaning: There are many good ideas out there but it's difficult to start and make good of them.

December 25, 2003

If you remind a crazy man continuously, you have no one to laugh at.

Meaning: One who has ears to hear will be advised only once, not many times.

December 25, 2003

When a crazy man runs away with your clothes while you are in the bath room, don't follow him. (you have no clothes to wear, would you follow him naked?)

Meaning: If you pursue everything a crazy man does, you will be considered more crazier than him.

July 19, 2003

Don't be afraid to get wet when you are already in the river.

Meaning: No need to back out when you are already embroiled into a situation.

A good wrestler does not challenge those who cheer him up.

Meaning: Don't challenge your supporters because they know all your strengths and weaknesses.

A hungry dog does not always come across a fat bone, only a sheep does.

Meaning: Opportunity comes comes to people who often misuse it.

When a leopard is wet, people take it for a racoon.

Meaning: Condition makes people look down upon you. A good example here in the US could be the term " THE GREAT EQUALIZER".

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