Dzatsva nyemba kuuya dzarungwa
The cow beans have been burnt after they have been salted.
Tsanagudzo
Nhamo inosvika vanhu vakadekara hainyanyi kutambudza. Njodzi inosara ichiitika panzvimbo munhu atobva kana kuhwanda hainyanyokumutyisa.
What the Words Say
The cow beans have been burnt after they have been salted.
What It Means
A problem or challenge that occurs to people who are well to do does not really trouble them. An accident or incident which transpires when one has already left the place does not present a major challenge.
Cultural Context
Cow beans can be cooked in various ways. Besides various nutritional values they also have preservative qualities. In the event that one over cooks them it would one could salt to the beans to camouflage the fact that they are burnt. This can be considered an act of luxury. But it is also seen as an act that happens after the fact and does not affect what will happen to the cow beans later. Hence our elders used this rich statement to refer to situations where one is not actually affected by the trouble or danger either because they can already address it or they were not even there when it happened.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to explain challenges that befall others after one has left or to comment on challenges that befall those who are already well to do. It is useful for showing that the challenge was actually no big deal or did not affect the particular individual.