Ndiniwo here ndakati mbira ngaishaye muswe? Ndiniwo here ndakati jedye (dafi) ngariteme muswe?

Munhu akasvikirwa nenhamo, dzimwe dzenguva anovenga vamwe vakagarika apo vanenge vasiri ivo vamupinza munhamo yake.

Surely, am I the one responsible for the rock-rabbit (dassie) not having a tail? Surely, am I the one who made the frog cut its tail?

Persons who are unfortunate should not blame or hate the fortunate on account of their misfortunate. In other words, one who has fallen into difficult times cannot entirely blame others for their troubles.

The rock rabbit or frog are both considered unfortunate to not have tails. There are also interesting and entertaining tales of why this may be the case. However this is a proverb that challenges the rock rabbit or the frog to be honest about its afflictions. Those with tails may be enjoying their tails but are not necessarily responsible for the lack of tails on other creatures. Similarly our elders observed that sometimes people in unfortunate situations may blame those in a better off situation for their troubles. While it may be true that the fortunate sometimes take advantage of the unfortunate but in some situations the unfortunate need to take responsibility of the decisions that that have taken.

The proverb is used to challenge or remove accusatory glances, statements or feelings based on one’s advantageous situation when others have generated feelings of envy or resentment towards them. The proverb is also used to enforce accountability on others for things they should have prioritized or taken care off.