Chidziva chakadzikama ndicho chinogara ngwena

Usanyengedzwe nekudzikama kana kunyarara kwemuvengi, zvimwe ndiko kuvanzwa kwezvivi zvake

The calm pool is the one in which the crocodile resides

A quiet or innocuous disposition usually conceals a dangerous or troublesome existence. One must never underestimate an enemy.

Using imagery of the lake or pool, the proverb observes that it is usually in the still or quiet pools that one will locate a crocodile. Crocodiles are less likely to be in waterways like rapids and waterfalls where one can sense danger but for their own comfort they stay in lakes that are calm. Hence the calmness of the lake should not fool one to believe that there is no danger. In fact that calmness should ensure one is more alert than ever. Our elders used this example as a teaching to warn on the dangers of underestimating an enemy due to their calm or harmless outlook.

The proverb is used to urge people to be on their guard and not be fooled by a calm or harmless disposition. It is a comment on deceptive tendencies particularly related to a foe and is therefore a stern warning on the deceptive nature of a foe.