"A canoe does not know who is chief; when..." - Malagasy Proverb

“A canoe does not know who is chief; when it turns over, everyone gets wet.”

- Malagasynature

Meaning

Nature and adversity treat everyone equally regardless of rank.

Madagascar's rivers and seas are navigated by outrigger canoes. This proverb teaches that natural forces are the great equalizers.

Origin

Malagasy

Language

Malagasy

“Rain does not fall on one roof alone.”

Cameroonian

“When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”

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