Atandavara aguta apfunya ndowavata nayo

Zvimwe zvinhu zvinongooneka nemaitiro kunyangwe munhu asina kutaura

One who has outstretched their legs has eaten their fill, one with crossed legs must have gone to bed hungry.

The feelings of others are not always expressed verbally, some things one must be able to tell from the person's actions. An english saying that is close to this is “actions speak louder than words”.

In the traditional kitchen or eating place set up, children would sit on the floor or ground and would cross their legs in preparation for food. Once they ate and were full, they would struggle to maintain the same position but would sit with outstretched legs. This is even common among older people that a full belly would prevent someone from crossing their legs and the outstretched legs are a sign of someone who is full. Hence our elders referred to this as a sign that did not require a verbal expression because the actions spoke for themselves. One would then be expected to act accordingly to the signs they have seen.

The proverb is used to encourage people to be observant and proactive and not merely wait for someone to express themselves. It is particularly useful in encouraging someone to notice those in need apart from those who are content. It can also be used inversely to encourage people not to show the wrong signs, which may betray their actual state and hinder those who may assist from assisting.