"The tsetse fly bites without consultatio..." - Tanzanian Proverb

“The tsetse fly bites without consultation, so why should I seek permission to scratch?”

- Tanzanianstrength

Meaning

When wronged unprovoked, one has the right to defend oneself without asking permission.

Cultural Context

Tanzanian proverbs often blend humor with practical wisdom. The tsetse fly, a real scourge in East Africa, provides the context for this assertion of self-defense.

Origin

Tanzanian

Language

Swahili

Related Proverbs

“The goat says: nobody willingly walks to the slaughter. You are pushed.”

Nigerian

“The elephant does not limp when walking on thorns.”

Zulu

Explore more proverbs about strength

Browse all proverbs →