Ivorian Proverbs

Ivorian Proverbs draw on Côte d’Ivoire’s mosaic of Akan, Kru, and Mande cultures. Born in village councils and market talk, they prize diplomacy, kinship, and hard work in a land shaped by cocoa wealth and French rule.

Everybody loves a fool, but nobody wants him for a son. (Ivorian Proverb)
If you are not going to bite, don't show your teeth. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Taking aim for too long can ruin your eyes. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
A little leaven smoothes away the whole lump. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
The death of an elderly man is like a burning library. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
The twig that falls in the water will never become a fish. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
He who cannot sleep can still dream. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Two flavors confuse the palate. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
The stranger has big eyes but he doesn't see anything. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
In the village that you don't know, the chickens have teeth. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
In the villages where there are no oxen, the sheep's feet seem strong. (Ivorian Proverb)
Their mosquito won't bite me. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Mutual affection gives each his share. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Better a bad wife than an empty house. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Teeth will never quarrel with the tongue. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
He who talks incessantly talks nonsense. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
A bad son gives his mother a bad name. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
The panther and the sheep never hunt together. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Taking water from the same well doesn't make all the wives' gravy taste good. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
He who gives a monkey as a present doesn't keep hold of its tail. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
A poor man's sheep will never get fat. (Ivorian Proverb)
Ingratitude is sooner or later fatal to its author. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
A friend will wipe away sweat but not blood. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Too much discussion means a quarrel. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb
Mutual gifts cement friendship. View proverb
Ivorian Proverb