B í a bá pé kí a bẹ́’gi a ó bẹ́ ènìyàn
The audio narration is available on our YouTube page. Click: Bi a ba pe ki a be'gi a o be eniyan
Denotative meaning: In felling the trees, you may
wound the people.
Connotative meaning: When the dishonest are
punished, the honest may feel the blow too. A trap set for the rat may catch
the hen.
Yoruba Proverb: Baálé ni ọlọ́ràn awo
The narration is available on our YouTube page. Click here: Baale ni oloran awo
Denotative meaning: The head of the family holds
the family’s secrets
Connotative meaning: A leader should always keep
the house or group in order no matter what. (Insight: leadership, trust, authority, and cultural and emotional balance).
To listen to the audio, watch our narration of this proverb on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNmrzGyC92o
Click to watch:
A word is enough for the wise in Yoruba
Yoruba Proverb:
Ààbọ̀ ọ̀rọ̀ l’ àá
sọ fún ọmọlúàbí; tí ó bá dé inú rẹ̀ ádi odidi
Denotative Meaning:
A word is enough for the wise
Connotative Meaning:
A wise person only needs a hint
We use a gun to silence the one who boasts about crushing us.
Story:
During the war between the people of Ibadan and Ijaye, Iseyin supported Ijaye and drove Ibadan out of their territory. Later, Saki went to war and compelled nearby towns into an alliance. As a result, Ijaye had to abandon Iseyin. In the end, Ibadan triumphed and sang songs of victory, having defeated those who once tried to oppress them.
Meaning:
This Yoruba proverb is used to caution those who oppress others. It implies that while the oppressor may seem powerful, the oppressed can rise if they gain the right advantage. Before confronting a bully, ensure you have the means, symbolised here by the “gun”, to fight back.
