Simba rehove riri mumvura

Munhu anoita simba ari panzvimbo pake kana aripane vamwe vake - kwevamwe anenge asina simba. Munhu anosimbiswa nevanomutsigira kana vakamukomberedzwa

The fish’s strength is in the water.

One is assisted and promoted by those that surround or support him. One cannot wield power effectively away from their environment.

Fishing was an important component of our ancestors economic activities that is not referred to as much as hunting, animal husbandry and farming. But the existence of the diva totems (totems related to the water) and various proverbs and idiomatic expressions point to the fact that fishing played a considerable part in our peoples' lives. This is one such proverb that uses the lesson of the waning abilities of the fish once it is out of the water. This is used to educate on the importance of one being linked or even immersed in their own community, values, people or environment as this is their source of strength. When one is removed from those aspects then their powers are not as potent.

The proverb is used to highlight the importance of feeding off your environment and values but can also include the importance of having familial support structures.. It also indirectly warns against overplaying one’s hand when one is not among friends or family - one must realize their influence is limited when they are not in their own space.