Shona

Mviromviro dzemhanza mapfeka

The onset of baldness is shown by the thinning of hair above the temples.

Tsanagudzo

Zvinhu hazvingotangi zvakakura, zvinotanga zviri zvidiki chose zvozokura.

What the Words Say

The onset of baldness is shown by the thinning of hair above the temples.

What It Means

Big events are predicted by early signs. Small faults may result in serious crimes seemingly unrelated. Another way of saying it is to say it's the tip of the iceberg.

Cultural Context

This proverb is an observation of how baldness begins.It is used as a reference of the signs of impending events because once thinning starts at the temples everyone knows that baldness has begun. What is not known is how far it will go. In this way our elders realized that there are always signs to be observed when big events are eminent.

How It's Used

The proverb is used both to comment and observe on signs of big events or a deeper challenge. In other words, part of a problem that can be seen, with far more serious problems lying underneath. It can also be used retrospectively to analyze that the signs were there and should have been acted upon.