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Igi Òwe

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Adage of the Day

Adages

Sùúrù ni baba ìwà; àgbà tó ní sùúrù, ohun gbogbo ló...
Sùúrù ni baba ìwà; àgbà tó ní sùúrù, ohun gbogbo ló ní.
 

Sùúrù ni baba ìwà; àgbà tó ní sùúrù, ohun gbogbo ló ní.

• Patience is the epitome of character; an elder who has patience, has everything.

• Patience is not passive waiting but the highest form of wisdom; it is the root from which...
Equivalent Translation: Patience is not passive waiting but the highest form of wisdom; it is the root from which all good character grows.
 

• When the old trader refused to react as younger merchants undercut his prices and poached...
Example Usage: When the old trader refused to react as younger merchants undercut his prices and poached his customers, he simply kept his standards and within a year they all came back - patience is the epitome of character; an elder who has patience, has everything.
 

• Patience is the epitome of character; an elder who has patience, has everything.

• Patience is not passive waiting but the highest form of wisdom; it is the root from which all good...
Equivalent Translation: Patience is not passive waiting but the highest form of wisdom; it is the root from which all good character grows.
 

• When the old trader refused to react as younger merchants undercut his prices and poached his...
Example Usage: When the old trader refused to react as younger merchants undercut his prices and poached his customers, he simply kept his standards and within a year they all came back - patience is the epitome of character; an elder who has patience, has everything.
 

Nínú òfíì, nínú ọ̀láà ni ọmọ páńdọ̀rọ̀ ńdàgbà.

• It is in the midst of their being blown here and there that the pendulous fruits of the sausage...
CLOSE TRANSLATION: It is in the midst of their being blown here and there that the pendulous fruits of the sausage tree mature, eventually.
 

• Turbulence is not necessarily a sign of ruin but of ripening; it is often through being tossed...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Turbulence is not necessarily a sign of ruin but of ripening; it is often through being tossed about by life's uncertainties that a person truly grows.
 

• When Bisola looked back at the years of instability, job losses and relocations that had defined...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Bisola looked back at the years of instability, job losses and relocations that had defined her twenties, she realised they had sharpened her in ways comfort never could - it is in the midst of their being blown here and there that the pendulous fruits of the sausage tree mature, eventually.
 

posted by Admin

Pé a lágbára bí òmìrán, ìyẹn ò ní kí a jà bí òmìrán.

• That you are as powerful as a giant does not imply that you should fight like one.

• Strength without restraint is recklessness; just because you have the capacity to crush does not...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Strength without restraint is recklessness; just because you have the capacity to crush does not mean you should - cooler heads must always prevail.
 

• When the heavily armed soldier was taunted and spat on by a drunk civilian at a checkpoint, he...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the heavily armed soldier was taunted and spat on by a drunk civilian at a checkpoint, he stood still, disarmed the situation with calm words - his commanding officer praised him saying: that you are as powerful as a giant does not imply that you should fight like one.
 

posted by Admin

Ìyà méjì kì í jẹ ọ̀lẹ; tí kò bá lápá, á lẹ́nu.

• A lazy man cannot suffer on two grounds; if he lacks strength, he will be boastful.

• The lazy always find compensation in empty talk; those who will not work with their hands will work...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: The lazy always find compensation in empty talk; those who will not work with their hands will work overtime with their mouths.
 

• When everyone on the street was hustling and Kọ́lá sat at home yet had the loudest opinion on how...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When everyone on the street was hustling and Kọ́lá sat at home yet had the loudest opinion on how things should be done, his mother shook her head and said - a lazy man cannot suffer on two grounds; if he lacks strength, he will be boastful.
 

posted by Admin

Ẹnití kò bá fẹ́ ṣe àṣedànù kò lè ṣe àṣejèrè.

• Whoever is unwilling to suffer loss cannot experience gains.

• Risk and reward are inseparable; those who shelter themselves from every possible loss have also...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Risk and reward are inseparable; those who shelter themselves from every possible loss have also shut the door on every possible gain.
 

• When Dayo refused to invest his savings because he feared losing them and watched everyone around...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Dayo refused to invest his savings because he feared losing them and watched everyone around him grow, his brother reminded him - whoever is unwilling to suffer loss cannot experience gains.
 

posted by Admin

Àìṣedédé ará ayé, ló ńmú'ni rántí ará ọ̀run.

• The untoward behaviour of those alive is what makes one pine for those who had gone.

• The disappointment of the living often makes us cherish and long for those we have lost.

• When Ṣọlá's new colleagues proved petty, disloyal, and difficult to work with, she found herself...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Ṣọlá's new colleagues proved petty, disloyal, and difficult to work with, she found herself constantly thinking of her late mentor who treated everyone with warmth and integrity - the untoward behaviour of those alive is what makes one pine for those who had gone.
 

posted by Admin

Bó pẹ́ bó yá, agogo tó lù kan ńbọ̀ wá lu méjìlá.

• Eventually, a clock that struck 1 o'clock will strike 12 o'clock.

• Nothing lasts forever; every situation, whether good or bad, will run its full course in time.

• When things got really bad for Taye financially, his father held his hand and whispered -...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When things got really bad for Taye financially, his father held his hand and whispered - eventually, a clock that struck 1 o'clock will strike 12 o'clock.
 

posted by Admin

Bí a kò bá tí ì jókòó, a kì í na ẹsẹ̀.

• If one is not properly seated, one shouldn't be stretching one's legs.

• Do not overextend yourself beyond the stability you have secured; get your footing right before...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Do not overextend yourself beyond the stability you have secured; get your footing right before reaching further.
 

• When Tunde began spending on luxuries before his new business had turned its first profit, his...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Tunde began spending on luxuries before his new business had turned its first profit, his partner warned him - if one is not properly seated, one shouldn't be stretching one's legs.
 

posted by Admin

Gbólóhùn ọ̀rọ̀ kan a máa yí ìpinnu ogún ọdún padà.

• A single word can well change a decision of twenty years.

• Never underestimate the power of words; one well-placed statement can undo or redirect a lifetime...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Never underestimate the power of words; one well-placed statement can undo or redirect a lifetime of conviction.
 

• When the young man who had sworn never to forgive his father heard him speak at his mother's...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the young man who had sworn never to forgive his father heard him speak at his mother's funeral, he walked straight to him and embraced him - a single word can well change a decision of twenty years.
 

posted by Admin

Kí àgbàdo tó dé ayé, adìyẹ ńjẹun.

• Before there was maize, chickens certainly were eating.

• No one is indispensable; the world was moving before you arrived and will continue without you.

• When the outgoing manager warned that the department would collapse without him, his replacement...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the outgoing manager warned that the department would collapse without him, his replacement simply got to work and within a month everything ran smoothly - before there was maize, chickens certainly were eating.
 

posted by Admin

Adániwáyè ò gbàgbé ẹnìkan; àìmàsìkò ló ńdààmú ẹ̀dá.

• The Creator has not forgotten anyone; ignorance of divine timing is what makes us fret.

• Every person's portion is secured; the anxiety we carry comes not from absence of provision but...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Every person's portion is secured; the anxiety we carry comes not from absence of provision but from not trusting that it will arrive at the right time.
 

• When Bisi broke down in tears wondering why her mates were progressing while she seemed stuck, her...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Bisi broke down in tears wondering why her mates were progressing while she seemed stuck, her grandmother wiped her face and said - God has not forgotten anyone; ignorance of divine timing is what makes us fret.
 

posted by Admin

Sùúrù ni baba ìwà; àgbà tó ní sùúrù, ohun gbogbo ló ní.

• Patience is the epitome of character; an elder who has patience, has everything.

• Patience is not passive waiting but the highest form of wisdom; it is the root from which all good...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Patience is not passive waiting but the highest form of wisdom; it is the root from which all good character grows.
 

• When the old trader refused to react as younger merchants undercut his prices and poached his...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the old trader refused to react as younger merchants undercut his prices and poached his customers, he simply kept his standards and within a year they all came back - patience is the epitome of character; an elder who has patience, has everything.
 

posted by Admin

Àtùpà kì í níyì lọ́ọ̀sán, ṣugbọ́n a máa gbayì lọ́jọ́ alẹ́.

• A lamp is not valued in the afternoon, but does get appreciated at night.

• Everyone has their time to shine; not being recognised now does not mean your moment will never...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Everyone has their time to shine; not being recognised now does not mean your moment will never come.
 

• When the power outage hit and everyone scrambled for the generator man they had ignored all months,...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the power outage hit and everyone scrambled for the generator man they had ignored all months, he simply smiled - a lamp is not valued in the afternoon, but does get appreciated at night.
 

posted by Admin

Tí agbada ò bá gbóná, àgbàdo ò lè ta.

• If the frying pan is not heated up, the corns cannot pop.

• Without the right conditions and preparation, results cannot be achieved.

• When Rotimi complained that his business was not growing despite having a great idea, his mentor...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Rotimi complained that his business was not growing despite having a great idea, his mentor told him he had done no groundwork, no network, no investment - if the frying pan is not heated up, the corns cannot pop.
 

posted by Admin

Kòkòrò tó ńjó lẹ́ẹ̀bá ọ̀nà, onílù rẹ̀ ńbẹ nínú igbó.

• The insect dancing by the bush path has its drummer in the bush.

• Behind every confident and blooming display is a support system you may not see.

• When people marvels at how composed Mayowa remains through every setback, her close friend smiles...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When people marvels at how composed Mayowa remains through every setback, her close friend smiles knowing the silent network of people providing for her - the insect dancing by the bush path has its drummer in the bush.
 

posted by Admin

Àgbà tó jàjẹẹ̀wẹ̀yìn, yóó nìkàn ru ẹrùu rẹ̀ délé.

• A miserly elder will carry their own load home alone.

• Stinginess isolates; those who refuse to give will find no one willing to help them when they are...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Stinginess isolates; those who refuse to give will find no one willing to help them when they are in need.
 

• When the wealthy old man fell ill and none of his neighbours came to his aid, people recalled how...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the wealthy old man fell ill and none of his neighbours came to his aid, people recalled how he had never once shared from his abundance - a miserly elder will carry their own load home alone.
 

posted by Admin

Ibi gẹ̀rẹ̀jẹ̀ là ń bá àgbà.

• Elders must always be found in positions of honor and respect.

• Respect is not demanded but earned; an elder must conduct themselves with dignity so that wherever...
EQUIVALENT TRANSLATION: Respect is not demanded but earned; an elder must conduct themselves with dignity so that wherever they are found, honor meets them there.
 

• When the community leader kept involving himself in petty neighbourhood disputes, his wife reminded...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the community leader kept involving himself in petty neighbourhood disputes, his wife reminded him - elders must always be found in positions of honor and respect.
 

posted by Admin

Àgbà tó sàgbàdo mọ́dìí, yóó di aláwàdà adìẹ.

• An elder who ties corn to their waist will become the mockery of chickens.

• Undignified conduct invites ridicule, regardless of one's age or status.

• When the retired professor was caught spreading petty gossip in the neighbourhood WhatsApp group,...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the retired professor was caught spreading petty gossip in the neighbourhood WhatsApp group, his daughter sighed and said - an elder who ties corn to their waist will become the mockery of chickens.
 

posted by Admin

Àgbàlagbà kìí ṣe láńgbáláńgbá.

• An elder does not behave in an uncivil manner.

• With age and wisdom comes the responsibility to conduct oneself with dignity.

• When the respected chief was seen exchanging insults in the marketplace, people shook their heads...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the respected chief was seen exchanging insults in the marketplace, people shook their heads and said - an elder does not behave in an uncivil manner.
 

posted by Admin

Àgbà kìí ṣorò bí èwe.

• An elder does not practice oro like an inexperienced youth.

• An elder should not behave childishly.

• When the senior manager threw a tantrum in the boardroom over a minor disagreement, his colleague...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the senior manager threw a tantrum in the boardroom over a minor disagreement, his colleague whispered - an elder should not practice oro like an inexperienced youth.
 

posted by Admin

Ọ̀kánjúà ní ń wojú ahun.

• Only the cleptoparasitic studies the facial expression of a miser.

• If you don't go about begging for alms, you won't notice that anyone is stingy.

• When Adio kept begging for money from everyone and came back complaining about who helped and who...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Adio kept begging for money from everyone and came back complaining about who helped and who refused, his friend shrugged and said - only the cleptoparasitic studies the facial expression of a miser.
 

posted by Admin

Ẹsẹ̀ gìrì nílé Àńjọ̀fẹ́, Àńjọ̀fẹ́ kú a ò ma rẹ́nìkan.

• It's crowded at Àńjọ̀fẹ́'s house, but when he dies, nobody visits again.

• When you stop having, people stop coming to you.

• When the wealthy landlord lost his fortune and the constant visitors disappeared overnight, his son...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the wealthy landlord lost his fortune and the constant visitors disappeared overnight, his son simply smiled and said - it is crowded at Àńjọ̀fẹ́'s house, but when he dies, nobody visits again.
 

posted by Admin

Tí aṣeni bá ní ibi mẹ́fà, yóò fi ìkan tàbí méjì ṣe ara rẹ̀.

• A wicked man with up to six different ways to hurt others will invariably hurt himself with one or...
CLOSE TRANSLATION: A wicked man with up to six different ways to hurt others will invariably hurt himself with one or two.
 

• What goes around comes around.

• When a man tried to poison his neighbour's son, he accidentally consumed some himself - a wicked...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When a man tried to poison his neighbour's son, he accidentally consumed some himself - a wicked man with up to six different ways to hurt others will invariably hurt himself with one or two.
 

posted by Admin

Ojú ló ńkán owó tó sọnù; ìgbà wo ni níná ò ní kàn án tẹ́lẹ̀.

• The sum of money that got lost is in haste; it'd certainly be spent eventually.

• What is bound to happen will happen, so rushing is unnecessary.

• When Damilare sold his father's second house behind him and he got to know, he said he'd already...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Damilare sold his father's second house behind him and he got to know, he said he'd already willed the house to him - the sum of money that got lost is in haste; it'd certainly be spent eventually.
 

posted by Admin

Ọ̀nà ò ní jìn kó má lóòpin.

• No matter how far a road is, it will undoubtedly have an end.

• Every challenge or journey eventually comes to a conclusion.

• When farmers face a long drought and dry season, they remind each other that no matter how far the...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When farmers face a long drought and dry season, they remind each other that no matter how far the road is, it will undoubtedly have an end.
 

posted by Admin

Àlùya ni ìlù ọ̀fẹ́.

• A free drum gets beaten until it bursts.

• What is free or cheap is easily abused.

• When a school offers free internet to students, some download even the files they don't need - a...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When a school offers free internet to students, some download even the files they don't need - a free drum gets beaten until it is burst.
 

posted by Admin

Ó di ẹ̀yìn ìgbín kí a tó fi ìkarahun rẹ̀ họ ìkòkò.

• Only after the death of the snail may its shell be used to scrub the pot.

• Some people are so confident that no evil can befall their family while they're still alive

• When the king heard that his song was involved in an accident and might die, he said, only after...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When the king heard that his song was involved in an accident and might die, he said, only after the death of the snail may its shell be used to scrub the pot.
 

posted by Admin

Ká fi ogún ọdún lá oyin kò ní kí inú ẹni dùn.

• Even if one licks honey for twenty years, that won't necessarily make one happy.

• False solutions do not resolve real problems.

• Don't deceive yourself with what doesn't solve your problems - even if one licks honey for twenty...
EXAMPLE USAGE: Don't deceive yourself with what doesn't solve your problems - even if one licks honey for twenty years, that won't necessarily make one happy.
 

posted by Admin

Gbogbo èèyàn oníwà tútù kọ́ lonínúure.

• It is not everyone with a quiet disposition who is kind-natured.

• Calm appearance does not always equal good intentions.

• Everyone thought Kunle was harmless because he barely talked during group discussions, but when the...
EXAMPLE USAGE: Everyone thought Kunle was harmless because he barely talked during group discussions, but when the issue of missing contribution money came up, he was the thief - it is not everyone with a quiet disposition who is kind-natured.
 

posted by Admin

Eṣinṣin tí kò bá gbọ́ ìkìlọ̀ ló ńbá ọ̀gẹ̀dẹ̀ wọ ẹnu ọ̀bọ.

• Only a disobedient housefly follows a bite of banana into the monkey's mouth.

• Ignoring advice often leads to avoidable danger.

• When Sola was warned not to follow his friends into a quick-money scheme but insisted on joining...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Sola was warned not to follow his friends into a quick-money scheme but insisted on joining them anyway, he paid dearly - only a disobedient housefly follows a bite of banana into the monkey's mouth.
 

posted by Admin

Ẹyẹ tó bà lórí igi tí ò ké, ẹ̀yìn ọ̀rọ̀ ló ńrò.

• A bird that perched on a tree and made no sound was thinking about the consequences.

• Wisdom sometimes lies in restraint and silence.

• When Kunle heard gist about his boss and chose not to comment in the office, it was not fear but...
EXAMPLE USAGE: When Kunle heard gist about his boss and chose not to comment in the office, it was not fear but caution - a bird that perched on a tree and made no sound was thinking about the consequences.
 

posted by Admin