Gudo kutya zvaro asi haribatirwi mwana
Though a baboon is fearful, it does not allow its young one to be touched.
Tsanagudzo
Kunyangwe munhu achitya nenzira ipi asi kana akatorerwa chaanoda anorwisa chose.
What the Words Say
Though a baboon is fearful, it does not allow its young one to be touched.
What It Means
One who is generally timid will display extraordinary valour if their vital interests are at stake.
Cultural Context
Baboons are known to have a timid characteristic to most creatures that are bigger than them including humans. They usually run from other predators or wait for the same to go away in order for them to do their will. However this timidness must not be mistaken to mean one may go as far as wanting to touch or take the baboon’s young as it will repel any such threat with an unusual bout of courage. Hence our elders realized that when one’s crucial interests are threatened then they will show unusual bravery to save or protect that interest.
How It's Used
The proverb is used to highlight that when one’s priorities are in jeopardy, one will become valiant even though they usually show timidness. The proverb can be used to give courage to often fearful persons when their major priority is at risk of being taken or destroyed.