Chidembo hachinzwi kunhuhwa kwacho
The polecat or skunk cannot sense its own stench
Tsanagudzo
Munhu wese haagoni kuona kutadza kwake kana mhosva dzake
What the Words Say
The polecat or skunk cannot sense its own stench
What It Means
People are blind to their own faults and rarely blames themselves.
Cultural Context
The polecat or skunk is notorious for its stench particularly when it is frightened and is trying to offset any predators. However, to the polecat, that stench does not affect it and it cannot even tell that there is a stink. Our elders realised that, merely due to our nature, we are unable to see the negative traits within us. Hence people may point to the mistakes of others leaving their own blunders untold.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to explain the inability of one to be as assertive in pointing out their own vices as they are in pointing out other people’s vices. It can also be used to point out hypocritical elements in some people.