Igbo Rich Cultural Heritage

Preamble:

The ancient Igbo prided themselves in their gift of the art of oratory. They measured their wit and wisdom by their repertoire of proverbs, parables, idioms, anecdotes, etc., and what use they made of these especially in formal dialogues. No one worthy of his name would call for help with working out a coded message in a discourse. That is why it is said that if a person ever needed an interpreter to decipher a proverb, it becomes obvious that the wealth that was spent in marrying their mother was a total waste... "Ónyé á tụ̀ụ̀rụ̀ ílú kọ́wáárá yā nyā, ị̀ márá nà àkụ̀ é jìrì lụ́ọ́ ńnē yā fùrù èfù".

Looking at the nature of the sayings, one suspects that the ancient Igbo lived so close to their environment that they could only see and interpret their lives by the mirrors presented by the objects around them, including animals, plants, spirits and their fellow man. Every coded expression is a reference to some object or person that on the surface have no relations with the topic of discourse, but nonetheless conveys the intended message better than any plain words can. The items presented here are not in any particular order.

Each item is added to the list as it comes to mind. Enjoy.....

Generic

Word-Wisdom1

1	Ílú bụ̀ ḿmánụ́ Ìgbó jì èrí ókwū.	Proverb is the palm oil with which the Igbo eat their words.
2	.Á tụ̀ọ́rọ́ ọ̀màrà, ọ́ márá; á tụ̀ọ́rọ́ òfèkè, ò féré ísī tīnyē n'ọ̄hị̄ā.	Give the wise a word of wisdom and he gets the point; give the same to the fool and he will go on to make a further fool of himself.... (Wisdom comes to those who are equipped to receive it...)
3	Ónyé búwéré chī yā ụ̄zọ̀, ọ̀ gbágbúó ōnwē yā n'ọ̄sọ̄.	He who must run ahead of his spirit guardian will die running..... (God's time is the best).
4	Ágbị́sị̀ gbáá òtùlè, ọ̀ mụ̀rụ́ ākọ̄. .	The bottom learns its lesson once it has been stung by an ant.... (Once bitten twice shy). You will probably not appreciate this if, as a baby, you never had the luxury of sitting on the bare floor butt naked.
5	Ónyé áṅụ́ gbàrà nà-àtụ́ òkpòròbò íjījī ēgwù.	He who has been stung by a bee lives in fear of even a housefly.... (Once bitten twice shy).
6	Ónyé átụ́ zọ̀gbùrù ńnà yá éjìghì m̀pì átụ̄ àṅụ́ ḿmīrī.	He whose father was trampled to death by a buffalo does not drink palm wine with a buffalo horn.... (Your relationship with other people may be influenced by any experience your folks may have had with theirs in the past).
7	Díòchì ánāghị̄ èkwúchá íhé níīlē ọ́ hụ̀rụ̀ n'élú ńkwụ̄.	A wine tapper does not divulge all that he spies from the tree top. This proverb suggests the ancient Igbo had an unwritten code of confidentiality.
8	Ónyé túfùó íhé ó jì àmá ḿmā, ḿmá yā ārụ̄ọ̄.	When a person throws away that which makes them pretty, their beauty gets ruined. Things that we hold so dear need to be closely guarded and protected.
9	Ńkị́tā sị̀rị̀ ónyé yá tụ̀rụ̀ áhị́á útē, yá bíkō wèlátárá yā ego ya, n'íhì nà ńtúkwù àmárálá yā āhụ̄.	A dog said if he has ever sent you to purchase a mat for him, you may now bring back his money as he has got used to squatting on his hind legs... Usually employed as sarcasm for undue delays.
10	Ónyé á ghọ̀rọ̀ ánụ́ ézì sị̀rị̀ nà ọ́ nà-àsá áfọ̄.	He who was denied pork said it causes diarrhoea anyway.
11	Ónyé kpọ́ọ́ ọ́bà yá ḿkpọ́kọ́rọ́, àgbàtàóbì èjìrí yā kpōrō ńtụ̄.	Condemn your own utensil and your neighbour finds a use for it as a trash can.
12	.Ụ́kwụ́ jíé ágụ̄, m̀gbàdà àbị́á yā ụ̄gwọ̄.	When a leopard goes lame, a deer will come to demand a settlement of debts.
13	.À nághị̄ àgbá ákā àchụ́ ánụ́ nā-ātà árụ̄.	No one pursues a biting animal armed with just his bare hands.
14	À nághị̄ àkọ́ ụ́bọ̀chị̀ ọ́nụ́ mà chí éjìghì.	You do not find faults with the day when there is still some minutes of day light.... (Where there is life, there is hope).
15	È jíghī ākā ēkpùchí áfọ́ ímē.	No one shields a pregnancy with their bare palm.... (Nothing is hidden under the sun).
16	Á tụ́ọ́ ílú ńkárị́ká ǹkàtà, ónyé áhụ́ tàrà àmárá.	When you tell a proverb about a tattered basket, an emaciated person will get the hint.
17	È jíghì íhé é jì àgbá ná ńtị̀ àgbá n'ányá.	You do not use a pick designed for the ears on the eyes.
18	.À nághị̄ àgbákụ̀tá íyī àzụ́ àwụ́ āhụ̄. (À nághị̄ àgbákụ̀tá ḿmīrī àzụ́ àsá āhụ̄.)	No one takes a bath while backing the stream/river/water.... You cannot do without an indispensable part.
19	À nághị̄ āghàrá ísí ákā àgbá ụ̄rị̄ọ̄m̀.	No one can click their fingers without the thumb.... You cannot do without an indispensable part.
20	Á gbáwọ̀ díkē ìzù, à gbáá yā m̄gbākwā.	When a deliberation is conducted without its most influential figure, it often results in a recall of the meeting. You cannot do without an indispensable part.
21	Òjì ḿmà ègbú ánāghị̄ èkwé kà é jìrí ḿmà gárá yā n'àzụ́.	He that kills by the sword is always weary of anyone passing behind him with a sword.
22	É kwébé ónyé ìchìchì n'áká, ọ̀ chọ́bá íbì ọ́mà.	When you offer a hand-shake to the leper, he decides on a hug instead.... (Give the stream an inch and it claims a mile).
23	Á kpànyé nwá ńkị́tā n'ābụ̀, ọ̀ tákábá ákwà.	Carry the little poppy underarms and it chews your clothes... (Familiarity breeds contempt).
24	Ájọ̄ īhē gbàá áfọ̀, ọ̀ ghọ́rọ́ óménàlà.	When evil endures for long, it becomes a norm.
25	Áfọ́ tụ́tá ímē, ótùbò àgbáá àmà.	When the belly conceives, the navel reveals the secret.
26	Nwá ńnà yá nọ̀ n'ìzù, íkpé ánāghị̄ àmá yā.	A child whose father is part of a jury never comes out guilty... Society appears to approve of nepotism.
27	Nwá ńnà yá nọ̀chìrì ụ́zọ̀ élúígwē ánāghị̄ èjé ọ́kụ́m̄mụ̄ọ̄.	A child whose father mans the gate of heaven never goes to hell..
28	Ụ̀wà bụ̀ ónyé méré íkē yā, ọ̀ láá.	In life, you achieve what you can, and then you take your exit (you go home!).
29	Élú ụ̀wà bụ̀ ọ̀rị́rị́, ónyé gwùrícháá, ọ̄ lāā.	The world is a playground; you play your part, then you take your exit (you go home!)
30	Ụ̀kpànà òkpókō gbùrù bụ̀ ńtị̀ chìrì yá.	The grasshopper that would fall prey to a crowned crane must be deaf indeed... To be forewarned is to be forearmed..

Word-Wisdom2

1	Ǹgwèrè níīlē makpù àmákpù, mànà à mághị̄ ǹkè áfọ́ nà-àrụ́.	All lizards lie on their bellies, but no one can tell which one has a belly ache. (Compare: “There is no art to tell the mind’s construction in the face”).
2	Àkwá ǹgwèrè chékátá ńnē yā, ò jìrí ákā yā bụ̀ọ́ ōnwē yā.	A lizard's egg learns to hatch itself when it gets weary of waiting for its mother's assistance... Always do what you can to help yourself first, as hoping on other people may not always yield the result you expect.
3	Ókókpòrò síwé ìtè chíwé ńkwụ̄, mà ọ́ dàghị̀ n’élú ńkwụ̄, íhé ó sìwèrè èréé ọ́kụ̄.	When a bachelor cooks and taps palm wine at the same time, if he does not fall off the palm, his cooking will burn... Never get yourself involved in too many projects at once, as you may bite more than you can chew.
4	Nwátà kwọ́cháá ákā, ò sóró ọ̀gàrànyà ríé ńrī. .	When a child washes his hands clean, he gets to eat with the elders... When you prove yourself worthy, you begin to enjoy certain privileges that once eluded you.
5	Nwátà ánāghị̄ àbụ́ ńtà n'ánụ́ ó gbùrù.	A child does not take the least share in a game that he caught... Everyone is entitled to their due, regardless of their position.
6	Ọ́sọ́ chụ́ọ́ nwátà n'íkwú ńnà yá, ọ̀ gbáláá íkwú ńnē yā.	If a child is ostracised from his paternal home, he takes refuge amongst his mother's kinsmen.
7	Nwátà tụ́líé ńnà yá élū, ọ̀gọ̀dọ̀ áyọ̀chíé yā ānyā.	If a child gets to throw his father into the air, he will be blinded by the latter's loin cloth. Never undertake a mission that you know is beyond your power..
8	Nwátà étōghī ētō wàrá ọ̀gọ̀dọ̀, ìkùkù búrú yā, ò búrú ọ̀gọ̀dọ̀.	If a child dons a loin cloth prematurely, the winds would take him and take his loin cloth with him. Before you embark on a mission be sure you’re ready for any consequences.
9	Éhí ámāghị̄ ūrù ọ́dụ̀ yá bàrà, rúó m̀gbè é jìrì bépụ̄ ya.	A cow never quite knows the value of its tail until it is chopped off..
10	Á gbárụ̀cháá ǹgèlè, kàrụ́cháá ǹgèlè, è kúrú yā ṅụ̄ọ̄.	You may despoil and disparage a stream to your heart’s content, but you will come round to drink of it. Be careful in your condemnation of other people, as you may one day need their favour..
11	Á ráchácháá únèrè tụ́nyé ụ́gbụ́gbọ̀ yá nà mírī, ó mécháá ò séé élū.	You may throw a banana skin in the stream, but it will eventually resurface and stay afloat... A reference to a person’s resilience in the face of difficulties.
12	Ògòrì lụ́ọ́ dí àbụ́ọ̄, ọ̀ márá ǹké kā ībè yá ḿmā.	When a woman has been married twice, she can tell which man was a better husband. Experience is the best teacher.
13	.Ónyé búó mīrī, buo manụ, ọ̀ márá ǹké kā ārọ̄.	He who has carried a load of water and oil will tell which is heavier. Experience is the best teacher.
14	Íhé ónyé kpọ̀rọ̀ ńkị́tā yā kà ọ́ nà-àzá.	The name you give your dog is what it goes by... We know who calls the shots.
15	Ńkị́tā sị̀rị̀ sị́ tụ̄pụ̀rụ́ yā ọ̄kpụ̄kpụ̄ n'èzí, kà ọ̀gụ̀ bụ́rụ́ ǹkè yá nà ńdị́ m̄mụ̄ọ̄.	The dog said you should throw out a bone for him, and let him worry about any possible fights with the devils (out there in the dark!). Give me a chance first and let the fault be mine if I failed to use it.
16	Ńkị́tā sị̀rị̀ ònyé ájālā yā īkē ọ́sọ̄, n'íhì nà yá ánāghị̄ àgbá ọ́sọ̄ áwàkwá ọ̀gọ̀dọ̀.	A dog said he should never be praised for his sprinting ability as he never has to adjust any loin cloths while on a race.
17	Ónyé ǹdìdì nà-èrí ázụ̄ ukpoò.	Only a patient man gets to eat a fish caught with a hook. Good things come to those who wait.
18	Ọ́hị́á ghọ̄rọ̄ āgbọ̄ghọ nkụ mèrè kà ísí dị́ yā m̄fē.	The forest that denies a damsel some firewood makes her load lighter. Every disappointment is a blessing. .
19	Ọ́hị́á nā-āsọ̄ ǹkàtà, yá épūkwālā ērō.	The forest that forbids a basket must remember never to grow mushrooms. If you do not want people doing what you do not like, then do not give them a reason to..
20	Ọ́ bụ̀ òké dị̄ n'ụ̄lọ̀ gwàrà òké dị̄ n'ọ̄hị̄ā nà ázụ̀ dị̀ ná ńgị̄gā.	It was the house rat that told the bush rat about the fish in the storage basket.
21	Ọ́ dị́ị́rị́ ōkē ụ̄lọ̀ ḿmā, ọ̀ kpọ́kùó ụ́mụ̀ńnà yá.	When a house rat encounters a piece of good fortune, it beckons on its kinsmen..
22	Ónyé hụ̄rụ̄ ùgò jàá yā m̄mā, n’íhì nà à nághị̄ àhụ́ ùgò kwà dáá.	He who sees an eagle should praise it, for you don’t get to see an eagle daily.
23	Ónyé rị̄rị̄ ēlū ọ̄jị̀, yá kpàrá yā n̄kụ̄, n’íhì nà à nághị̄ àrị́ élú ọ́jị̀ kwà dáá.	He who climbs an iroko should reap its wood when he can, for no one gets to climb an iroko every day. Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way. (An excuse for abuse of public office?)
24	Ónyé bū nwúnyē di ya ụ́zọ̀ síbé ńri nà-àká yā ènwé ḿkpọ́ḿkpọ́ éjù.	She who took up cooking before her rival housewife tends to have greater potsherds... (Expertise comes from experience).
25	Òké sòró ǹgwèrè dàá ḿmīrī, ọ́ kọ́cháá ǹgwèrè, ọ̀ gà-àkọ́chákwá ōkē?	The rat that will go swimming with a lizard, if the lizard comes out nice and dry, will the rat fare the same? (A caution against copying other people's life styles)
26	Nwáyọ̀ọ̀ bụ̀ íjè. .	Slow and steady wins the race.
27	Ò jì nwáyọ̀ọ̀ ánāghị̄ èmérú āhụ̄.	He who treads carefully never gets hurt.
28	É jì nwáyọ̀ọ̀ àráchá ófé dị̄ ọ̄kụ̄.	A hot bowl of soup is eaten with care and caution (... sometimes by blowing on it first to avoid burning the tongue!) Never approach a difficult and challenging task in a haste..
29	Ọ̀gbà ọ́sọ́ ámị̀chá ḿkpị́sị́ ákā, ọ̀ gà-áhànyé hā n'ùkó?	He that licks his fingers with such haste, does he intend to hang them up on the rafters afterwards? More haste, less speed.
30	Ǹgáná kpùó útē, ágụ́ụ̄ èkpúghèpú yā.	When laziness wraps a mat, hunger unwrap it.... (You may choose to linger under the quilt a whole day out of sheer laziness, but when hunger knocks, no one needs to tell you it is time to get up!)

Word-Wisdom3

1	Ágádī nwáànyị̀ dàá ádā ńdà náàbọ̀, à gụ́ọ́ íhé ó bù n'ụ̀kpá ọ́nụ̄.	When an old lady trips and falls twice, people get to count the contents of her basket. (When one bad misfortune keeps recurring, people begin to wonder as to any root causes).
2	Úgwú mụ̀tá úmé ọ́kụ̄, ḿmádụ̀ àmụ̀tá é jékátá à gbányé ákā n'ūkwù.	When the mountain brings on a shortness of breath, the climber will learn to stop and take a break, hands on the hips. Every problem has its own solution..
3	Ónyé ọ́kụ́ nà-àgbá bē yā ánaghị̄ àchụ́ ōkē.	He whose house is on fire does not keep busy pursuing the rats escaping from the blaze... (Message: A warning about neglecting critical priorities in pursuit of needless trivialities).
4	À nághị̄ ēkwòró nà ńrí dị̀ n'úgbō, sị́ nà úgbó bụ̀zị̀ ụ́lọ̀. .	You do not because there is food in the farm decide that the farm has become your home. East, West, North or South, home is the best. .
5	Íhé ágwọ́ mụ̀rụ̀ ághàghị̀ ítō ōgōlōgō.	That which was sired by a snake will always grow long... (Like father like son; like mother like daughter).
6	Ńkụ́ dị̄ nā ḿbà nà-éghèré ḿbà ńrí.	The firewood that obtains in a clan is sufficient for the kind of cooking they do.... (Message: You do not judge one society by the standards of another).
7	Ónyé árā sị̀rị̀ nà íhé yá gà-èmé kàrị̀rị̀ àkárị́, tínyéré égwú yá gà-àgbá n'ụ́zọ̀, nàkwà íhé ńdị́ yá gà-àchọ́ n'íkpó áhị́hị́á.	The mad man said he has got a lot to do, including the routine dance along the road, plus the search he will conduct at the rubbish dump. (Usually an excuse for failing to meet up conflicting priorities).
8	Ụ́lọ̀ ánāghị̄ ādà ghàrá ìkwù yá.	A house does not fall and leave its ceiling behind and intact. Where there is a cause, there is an effect.
9	Ézí ényì kà ájọ̄ nwānne.	A good friend is better than a wicked sibling.
10	Íwé nwáńnē anaghị èrú n'ímé ọ́kpụ́kpụ́.	Anger against a sibling is never felt as deep as the bone marrow.
11	É gbúó díkē n'ọ̀gụ̀ ụ́lọ̀, é rúó n'ọ̀gụ̀ ámā, à chọ́bá díkē.	When a hero is killed in an internal conflict, his vacuum will be felt on the day of an external conflict.
12	Ọ́nwụ́ díkē ádị̄ghị̄ òbòdò ḿmā, mà ńdụ̀ díkē ádị̄ghị̄ òbòdò ụ̀tọ́.	The death of a hero is never pleasing to his clan, but neither is his life... (A prophet is never recognised in his own country).
13	Ọ́nwụ́ ámāghị̄ ézè.	Death knows no king. (Death is no respecter of ranks)..
14	Ọ́nwụ́ chọ́tá ézè, ò jìrí ụ́kwụ̄ yā jēbē.	When death invites a king, he attends in person. (The journey of death is one for which there are no delegates!) .
15	Ézè márā ìwú áhụ̀rụ̀ àbáálá n̄sị̄.	The king that outlawed a fart (in his kingdom) has defecated on himself! (Never make a rule for others which you would not be able to keep yourself)..
16	Áká kpàrá ézē ùdèlè, ò kwúó ónyé chīrī yā ēchīchī.	When the vulture king is apprehended, he will be forced to say who made him a king.... (Think of gang leaders on the dock).
17	Íkwè búrú ńrī, ọ̀ gbákụ̀tá àlà àzụ́. .	When a mortar has food in it, it turns its back to the floor.... (A reference to a very selfish disposition).
18	Ébé áká rùrù ónyé ḿkpụ́ḿkpụ́ kà ọ́ gà-ékòbé àkpà yá.	The dwarf can only hang his bag as far as his hands can reach.... (Cut your coat according to your size)..
19	Ókènyè kècháá èkpè ghàrá ị́nwụ̄, íhérē ọnwụ èmégbúó yā.	When an elder declares his will and fails to die, he lives with the eternal shame of death... (Never brag about what you know you cannot achieve, or that over which you have no control).
20	Ụ́kwà rúó ógè yá, ọ̀ dàá.	The bread fruit will always fall in its due time... (There is no rush in life; everything happens in its own time).
21	Ébé ónyé ọ́sọ̄ rùrù, ónyé íjè gà-èrú yā.	Wherever the sprinter gets to, the walker will get there too.... (There is no rush in life, what will be will be)..
22	Mányá hụ́ ónyé ọ́ mà, ò bèé úgwù.	A keg of palmwine will reduce its volume when it meets an acquaintance... (The story: A wine tarper on his way from a tarping round will offer his keg for a courtesy sip to every acquaintance that he meets on the road. It is an established norm that may task the conscience of the giver, but he would do it anyway. One is not expected to be stingy with stuff like that! The message: We often defer to people due to our relationship with them).
23	Ányá nà ímí bụ̀ nwáńnē. Yá mèrè ó jì àbụ́ ányá béwé, ímí èsòró yā bēwē.	The eyes and the nostrils are next of kin. That is why when the eyes cry, the nostrils join in. (Relations are expected to be there for one another, for what affects one affects the other)..
24	Ótù ḿkpụ́rụ́ ákā rụ̀tá ḿmānụ̄, ò tézùó íbè yá.	When one finger comes in contact with palm oil, it smears the rest... (On account of our close relationship with one another, every man's actions have a potential impact on all others)..
25	Áká ájá ājā nà-èbúté ọ́nụ́ ḿmánụ́ m̄mānụ̄.	It is the soiled hands that bring about a greasy mouth... (It is by getting your hands dirty that you find the food to put on the table).
26	Náānị̄ ōsīsī kà ọ́ nà-àbụ́ á sị́ nà á gà-ègbú yā, ọ̀ ká kwụ́rụ́ ébé ọ́ kwụ̀.	Only a tree would still stand there when it has been notified that it will be killed.... (To be forewarned is to be forearmed). .
27	Ébé ọ̀ bụ̀là ụ́kwụ́ gàrà, ọ́ bụ̀ áfọ́ dùnyèrè yá.	Wherever the legs have been, it was the stomach that sent them there... (The primary reason for every endeavour is the need to put food on the table)..
28	.Échí dị̀ ímē; ònyé mà íhé ọ́ gà-àmụ́?	Tomorrow is pregnant; who knows what baby it will bring forth? No one knows tomorrow.
29	Ọ̀kụ́kọ̀ sị̀rị̀ nà íhé mērē yā jì àṅụ́ ḿmírī èlé ányā n’élū bụ̀ nà íhé nā ēgbū ya sì n’élū àbị́á. .	The chicken said the reason she drinks and looks up with each gulp is because that which preys on her comes from up above. Once bitten, twice shy
30	Nwá ọ̄kụ̄kọ̄ sị̀ nà íhé mērē yā jì èbé ákwā ábụ̄ghị̄ kà íhé jī yā hápụ̄ ya, kámà nà ọ́ bụ̀ kà ụ́mụ̄ ụ̀wà nụ́rụ́ ólū yā.	The chick that was picked up by a hawk said the reason it is crying is not for the hawk to change his mind; it is for the world to hear her voice and take note of her exit..

Word-Wisdom4

1	Ágwọ́ émēghī ǹkè ó jì bụ́rụ́ ágwọ̄, ụ́mụ̀ ázị̀ àchị́rị́ yā n'ākā. .	If a snake does not behave like a snake, children will toy around with it.... (Familiarity breeds contempt)
2	Ónyé chí yā mèèrè ọ̀gọ̀ sị̀rị̀ nà íbè yá nà-áyị̀ árā. .	One who has been greatly favoured by his spirit guide takes his peers for fools
3	Ìgwè bụ̀ íké.	Unity is strength.
4	Áká wètá, ākā wètá, ò jú ọ́nụ̄. .	When multiple hands contribute morsels, the mouth gets full... (Collaboration breeds success).
5	Á nyụ́kọ́ọ́ mámīrī ọ̄nụ̄, ọ̀ gbọ́ọ́ ụ̄fụ̄fụ̀.	When urine is made to collect on one spot, it foams.... (Unity is strength... People achieve more when they have a collective sense of purpose...).
6	Ǹsị́ ánāghị̄ ánọ̀ n'áfọ́ ésì ísì.	Faeces do not smell from inside the stomach... (i.e., bring it forth, whether or not it is going to stink up the place... If you ever wondered how other people might receive your opinion, this statement encourages you to say it anyway, as you would never know one way or another if you didn't).
7	Á ná-èkpé ónyé óhí jī īkpē, ò jìrí óbì yá ná-àpị́ m̀bàzụ̀. .	As a thief sits in judgement for stealing yam, he is busy fashioning a new digger in his mind.... (i.e. he is secretly plotting a new operation).... some people just will never change...
8	Nwá ńnà yá dùnyèrè óhī jì ụ́kwụ́ àgbátù ụ́zọ̀. .	A child who was sent on a robbery operation by his father breaks the door with his feet when he gets there.... (Such is his confidence when he has got the backing and approval of the one person who should have been reprimanding him!).
9	Ótù ósísí ánāghị̄ èmé ọ́hị̄ā.	A tree does not make a forest. Unity is strength.
10	Ótù óny ánaghị̄ àbụ́ ńnàḿọ̀hà. .	One person can never make a crowd..
11	Ósísí kwụ̄chīrī ụ́zọ̀ nà-ànárá úbè ḿmà.	The tree that stands by the road side bears the brunt of the passing knife... (A reference to the vulnerability of anyone at the frontline...).
12	Nà ńtị̀ nà-ànụ́ íhē ábụ̄ghị̄ nà ọ́ hà kà òkpú átā.	The ear does not have to be as wide as a straw hat to be able to perceive sounds..
13	Mà íhé á kpụ̀ n'ọ́nụ̄ ágwụ̄ghị̄, ǹtị̀ ánāghị̄ ézù íkē.	Until you have exhausted what you are chewing, your cheeks never go to rest. This means that you never stop ‘fighting’ until you have defeated the crisis you are faced with.
14	Ónyé ọ́sọ́ nà-àchụ́ ánāghị̄ ēzù íkē mà íhé nā-āchụ̄ ya ákwụ̄sị̄ghị̄.	Anyone running to escape danger never stops for a rest until that which is after him has stopped. The fight goes on..
15	Ónyé íbì sị̀rị̀ nà yá wụ̀rụ̀ m̀gbàlà mànà àhụ́ áfọ̄ghị̄.	The man with the scrotal swelling said he jumped over the gulf alright, but at a huge physical cost..
16	Ụ́kwárà nà-àká ḿmā n'ọ́nụ́ ónyé gbụ̄tārā yā.	Phlegm is always more suited in the mouth of the person that produced it... (The message: Never undertake to relay someone else's bad remarks to another; such things are best heard from the horse's mouth...)
17	Á gbácháá égwū , ọ̀ láá n’úkwù. ..	Every dance takes its toll on the waist. Every toil leaves its strain on the body
18	Ònyé kà é tìrì íhé é tīrī m̀gbàdà ímí árị̄ghị̄ yā?	Who has ever suffered as much beating as a deer without his nostrils dripping? He who feels the agony knows the pain. .
19	Ótù ḿkpụ́rụ́ ákwụ̄ ánāghị̄ éfù n'ọ́kụ́. .	A lone palm nut does not go missing in the fire.... Usually a reference to an only child whose loss is likely to renders his parents childless... May also apply to any precious belonging that is viewed in the same light
20	É méé nwátà kà é mèrè íbè yá, óbì àdị́ yā m̄mā. .	When a child has received the same treatment as his peers, he goes away pacified
21	Nwátà ríé íhé ó kwòrò mụ̀rụ́ ányā, ụ́rá àtụ́bá yā.	When a child has eaten that which has kept him awake, he will go to sleep. Our minds go to rest once our desires are satisfied.
22	Á hụ̄ghị̄ ēbē ē bìdòrò áká, è bìdó yā n’íkpèrè ụ́kwụ̄.	When you can’t see where to place your palms, place them on your knees. When faced with a problem and your choices are limited, just do what you can.
23	Ónyé chọ̄rọ̄ írī āwọ̀, yá rìé ǹkè gbárà àgbá, kà ọ́ gà-àbụ́ á kpọ́ọ́ yā nwā ori àwọ̀, ò lécháá ányā zā.	He who must eat a toad should choose a fat and juicy one, so if anyone wishes to call him names, he could at least hold his head high.
24	Ọ́kwụ̀rụ̀ ánāghị̄ àkárị́ ónyé kụ̄rụ̄ yā.	Okra never grows stronger than the person who planted it... (However tall and strong an unruly child grows, he/she could never be above parental control).
25	Ọ̀ márá àsụ́, yá sụ̀ọ́ n'íkwè; ámāghị̄ àsụ́, yá sụ̀ọ́ n'àlà.	He who knows how to pound, may he pound in the mortar; he who knows not how, let him pound on the floor... (Message: A word is enough for the wise).
26	Á gwá ńtị̀ mà ọ̀ nụ́ghị̄, é bèré ísī, ńtị̀ ésòbé yā.	When the ears fail to heed advice and the head gets chopped off as a result, the ears go with it.... (Obstinacy leads to ruin).
27	È jíghì ághá rụ̄rụ̄ ārụ̄ àmá àtụ̀.	No one brags about a war that went horribly wrong..
28	Ókènyè ánāghị̄ ánọ̀ n'ụ́lọ̀ éwú āmụ̄ọ̄ n'ọ̄gbụ̄.	An adult does not sit and watch a goat suffer the pains of child-birth on a leash... (No responsible person would see something going wrong and not intervene...)
29	Òjì ọ́sọ́ àgbákwú ọ̀gụ̀ ámāghị̄ nà ọ̀gụ̀ bụ̀ ọ́nwụ́. .	The person who rushes into a brawl has no idea that war means death
30	É gbòchúó ọ̀gụ̀, ónyé ụ́jọ̄ abama.	When a fight is broken up prematurely, the weakling finds his voice.

Word-Wisdom5

1	Ḿmádụ̀ àbụ́ọ̄ nwụ̀rụ̀ màkà nà ónyé ātọ̄ ānọ̀ghị̀.	Two combatants came to their deaths because there was no third person.... (Conflicts usually get out of hand where there are no interested mediators)..
2	Ụ́sụ́ ábụ̄ghị̄ ānụ̄ élū, ǹkè ó jì àbụ́ ánụ́ àlà.	The bat is neither a creature of the land, nor a creature of the sky.... (A grave indictment of anyone or any group that would abandon one position for another and end up not living up to the ideals of either position... For abandoning both their language and culture, the Igbo nation appears to be occupying this questionable position right at this moment in their history)
3	Ọ̀dị̀ áká lìé ńnē yā lìé ńnà yá, n'íhì nà ọ̀ bụ́ghị̄ dī ọ̄kpārā gbùrù há.	May he who has got the means bury their parents, for the eldest was not responsible for their deaths... (A family responsibility must not always be left to the eldest; may he who has the means lend a hand too)..
4	Ọ̀ bụ̀ nà nwá m̄gbēeke ámāghị̄ àkpụ́ ísī, kà ọ̀ bụ̀ nà ágụ̀bá ádị̄ghị̄ n̄kọ̄? .	Is the shoddy hair-cut down to Mgbeeke's lack of expertise, or the case that her shaver is not sharp enough?... (When a piece of work is very poorly executed, questions arise as to what to blame: the workman or his tools).
5	Ónyé gbá ńkị̄tị̀, è búrú yā ghàrá ámá ńnà yá. .	One who fails to speak up at the right time may wake up to find that the vehicle has taken him way beyond his his exit point.... (Literally and philosophically speaking)
6	Nà nwá átụ́rụ̄ ámāghị̄ àgbá égwū érūghī nà ǹkè é bùbàtàrà ámá ńnà yá; mà ọ̀ mághị̄ īhē ọ̄ gà-èmé, ọ̀ wụ̀líbé élū.	A little lamb may not be such a great dancer; but when the music is brought home to its doorsteps, it soon catches up; if not, it will at least jump about to show its eagerness...). Everyone will try their best if given half a chance.
7	Mírí dọ̄rọ̄ n'éjù dọ̀ọ̀rọ̀ nwá ńkị́tā.	The water in the potsherd is there for the poppy.... (You could never walk away from your responsibility... because it will always be there until you deal with it).
8	Ọ̀ bụ́ghị̄ íkūnyē ènwè mírī bụ̀ ókwú; ọ́ bụ̀ ị́nāpụ̀tà yà ọ́bà.	The problem is not in offering a monkey a cup of water; it is in retrieving the cup afterwards. There are certain problems you can avoid if you think first about the possible consequences of your initial action.
9	Ọ́nwụ́ bụ̀ ụ́gwọ́ é jì àlà.	Death is a debt owed to the earth.
10	Ónyé kwụ́ọ́ ụ́gwọ́ ó jì àlà, ọ̀ gbárá ísí ōnwē yā.	Everyone redeems themselves when they pay their ultimate debt to the earth.
11	Ọ̀kázị́ sị̀rị̀ nwáànyị́ ụ̀bị̀àm̀, yá kpàrá yā ākpārā, yá éfōlā yā ēfō, màkà nà ágụ́ụ̄ bịara n'áfọ̄ à gà-àbị́ákwá n'áfọ̄ ọzọ.	The Ọkazị vegetable said to the old lady: "it is more sensible to pluck a few leaves at a time than to root up the entire plant, for the famine that visited this year will visit again the year after".... A call for a sensible utilization of available resources.
12	Úchè bụ̀ àkpà, ónyé ọ̄ bụ̄là nyà ǹkè yá.	Wisdom is like a handbag, everyone has got their own (strapped to their shoulder)... Everybody is entitled to their own opinion.
13	À nághị̄ ékwò ḿgbágbú ághàrá ọ̀gụ̀.	One does not for fear of death shy away from the war front... (If you would never start a thing for fear of failure, then you would never achieve anything... No venture, no success).
14	Nwátà dị́ ńtị̄ àlà, nà-ànụ́ ǹzọ̀ ụ́kwụ̄ ńdị́ m̄mụ̄ọọ̄.	A child with a keen sense of hearing perceives the footsteps of passing spirits... (Wisdom comes to those who are equipped to receive it).
15	À nághị̄ ánọ̀ n'íhú ọ̄kụ̄kọ̀ àgụ́ ākwā yā ọ̄nụ̄.	No one counts a fowl's eggs in her presence.... (It is insensitive to discuss a person, even a child, in their presence).
16	Ọ́ bụ́rụ́ nà ọ̀kụ́kọ̀ pụ̀tá ụ̄tụ̄tụ̀ chụ́bá gị̄ ọ̄sọ̄, gbàbá kà ọ́kpà gị́ hà màkà nà ị̀ mághị̄ mà ò pùrù ézē n'ùchíchì.	If a fowl comes out of its roost in the morning and begins to chase after you, you should by all means give it a wide berth, for you never know whether it grew some teeth overnight.... (When someone begins to exhibit a very unusual behaviour, be very careful with them, as you never know what might have got into them).
17	Ágàméèvù ádị̄ghị̄ m̄mā n'ājụ̄. .	Thorny weeds (thistles) are not anybody's idea of a load-bearing pad... I would rather bear my load on my bare scalp than rely on a thorny pad... (Usually a warning to beware a shady and unreliable character)
18	Èkèlé ghàrá ǹkù ákā, ọ̀ ghọ̀rọ́ ńjídé.	When a handshake goes beyond the elbows, it is no longer considered a greeting but a grip.... (Too much of anything is bad).
19	À nághị̄ àmáchá úchè ónyé é jì n'àlà.	You could never read the mind of the person who is pinned to the ground in a physical combat... He could bite or throw sand into your eyes in the hope of turning the table. (The message: Never under estimate the capabilities of the underdog).
20	Ónyé túfùrù ńkị́tā yā màkà nà ọ́ nà-ètúkwù óké ńtúkwù, gáá zụ́rụ́ ènwè tọ́chíé ányā yā, yá màrá nà íhé ńtúkwù kà dị̀ bé yā.	He who gets rid of his dog because it squats a lot, and then buys a monkey in place of it should know that he has just replaced one squatting animal with another.
21	É kèléé nwáànyị́ gwọ̄tārā ākị̄dị̀, ọ̀ gwọ́tá ọ̄zọ̄.	Compliment the lady that prepared the delicacy and she would be happy to dish out more.
22	É tòó díkē nà ǹkè ó mèrè, ò mékwáá ọ̄zọ̄.	Appreciate a hero for his achievements and he will be happy to achieve more..
23	Ónyé ónyé nà-ésò kà ónyé nà-èkírí..	Everyone looks up to the person ahead of them... (Literally and philosophically speaking)
24	Ò mèrè mà chí ékwèghì, ónyé ụ́ta átālā yā.	If anyone has tried their utmost without success, let no one hold their failure against them.
25	Ọ̀kụ́kọ̄ siri n'àlà félíé bèré ná ḿkpú, n'àlà kà ọ́ kà nọ̀.	The fowl that flees the ground and perches on an anthill is still standing on the ground.... (Usually a reference to so much motion with no movement).
26	Nwáànyị́ nā-āchọ̄ nwúnyé dī yā ōkwū nà-àrị́ọ́ ḿmánụ́ ó jì àtá ọ̄sụ̄kwụ̄ ákwụ̄.	A woman seeking to upset her rival housewife would ask for palm oil with which to eat a soft palm nut. .
27	Ọ́ bụ́rụ́ nà á gbānyērēghī ụ́zọ̄ òwèrè m̀gbá, ọ̀ nághị̄ èchí. .	Until people have wrestled over an illegal thoroughfare, it never closes... (Until one confronts and defeats a persistent nuisance, it never stops).
28	Á nà-èbú ụ́zọ̀ àzọ́tá àlà túpú à zọ́bá útē.	It is always best to secure a portion of the sleeping floor before struggling for a mat to place on it.... as otherwise, you may find that you have secured a mat but you have no platform on which to place it... Reminiscent of an era when people slept on mats. (The message: First things first!)
29	Á gbárá ákā nā-àzọ́ àlà, ónyé jī jī àná-ákọ̀nyé.	When you fight over a piece of land empty handed, the party that came with their seed yams will continue to sow... (A warning about getting involved in a pointless conflict).
30	Ọ̀kwà sị̀rị̀ ụ́mụ̀ yá, ónyé tụ̀rụ́ jī, yá tụ̀rụ́ m̀gbọ̀rọ̀gwụ̀, màkà nà à nághị̄ àmá àmà, ónyé nwé jī gwúrú jī yā, kà há jìrí m̀gbọ̀rọ̀gwụ̀ ná-ánọ̀rị́.	The quail once said to its chicks, "he who takes a pinch of the yam should also take a pinch of the roots, so that when the farmer digs up his yams, we will continue to survive on the roots".....

Expect more words of wisdom in the forthcoming Revised Edition of our book:

Ìgbò –Our Mother Language.

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