Dzvinyu kuzamba (kudzambira) zuva huona bako
For the lizard to bask in the sun there must be a cave in view
Tsanagudzo
Kana waenda panzvimbo kana kuita zvinhu zvinokwanisa kukupinza munjodzi kana papfumvu, gara waziva mabudiro kana matiziro
What the Words Say
For the lizard to bask in the sun there must be a cave in view
What It Means
One must only venture into perilous situations if they have secured a means of evasion or escape.
Cultural Context
The lizard is a reptile hence it is a cold blooded creature which from time to time will look for the sun so that it can raise its body temperature. It usually hides in caves or cracks in buildings and the house lizard is particularly unwanted and prone to attacks from people or cats. There is a common belief among the karanga’s that the house lizard’s tail can be used for love potion that can keep a spouse around the house because of the way the house lizard remains within the residential premises in search of insects. The clever lizard will not bask in the sun without a cave or crack in sight where it can retreat to when danger arrives. In this way our ancestors were sharing the lesson that risks are only taken when the danger is reckoned and a means of evasion has been identified.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to warn on the importance of not putting one in a situation of peril or taking risks unless there is a clear exit strategy or escape. It can also be used to challenge someone who is about to venture into dangerous waters, whether they have thoroughly thought through the risk and the means of escape.