Senegalese Proverbs

Senegalese Proverbs carry Sahel-and-Atlantic wisdom, echoing Wolof “teranga” hospitality and the memory of old trade kingdoms. They prize community, patience, and clever speech.

Even buddhist priests of the same temple quarrel occasionally. (Senegalese Proverb)
When a mouse makes fun of a cat, there is a hole. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
A lobster loves water, but not when he's being cooked in it. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
If a centipede loses a leg, it does not prevent him from walking. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
A rotten fish pollutes the whole kitchen. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Kings have no friends. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Poverty is an older daughter of laziness. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
The strong don't need clubs. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
If you had teeth of steel, you could eat iron coconuts. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Little by little, one catches the monkey in the jungle. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
No matter how strong you are, you always find someone stronger. (Senegalese Proverb)
Nobody tells all he knows. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Rising early makes the road short. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Spilled water is better than a broken jar. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
The cow steps on the calf, but she does not hate it. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
A healthy ear can stand hearing sick words. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
All birds will flock to a fruitful tree. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Ambition begets troubles. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
An empty belly has no ears. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
An intelligent enemy is worth more than a stupid friend. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Don't try to make someone hate the person he loves, for he will still go on loving, but he will hate you. (Senegalese Proverb)
Eat coconuts while you have teeth. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
Even the fall of a dancer is a somersault. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
He may say that he loves you, wait and see what he does for you. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb
If the eye do not admire, the heart will not desire. View proverb
Senegalese Proverb