Kik iyany nyang’ ka pod in ei pi.

Do not insult the crocodile when you are still in the water.

This traditional proverb is used to warn against backbiting and gossip. Just as the crocodile might easily attack you in the water, the person being gossiped about or insulted might get wind of the gossip and retaliate.

• Postproverbial: Kik iyany nyang’ biro muonyi.
  Translation: Do not insult the crocodile, it will swallow you.
  

Kenya (Luo)

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not insult water crocodile