proverb · Legacy record
The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did.
The lizard that jumped from the high iroko tree to the ground said he would praise himself if no one else did.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A lizard praising its own leap when nobody else does gives self-recognition a place when outside applause is absent. The saying values acknowledgment beyond public approval.
What the words are saying
The precise traditional context is unverified, and the scene supplies no animal behaviour or jumping method. A qualified application can appreciate one’s effort without inventing superiority or treating praise as proof of quality. Review and support can coexist with an honest recognition of what was accomplished.
Everyday example
Someone acknowledges a meaningful effort while remaining open to feedback about the result.
When to use it
Use it only as a qualified self-recognition image.
Put a useful idea into practice: try the free seven-day guide ↗
What it does not mean
No animal rule, objective quality from self-praise or duty to seek applause is established.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
Nigeria
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.- Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)
Supplied reference B; unit 666; PDF page 60; collection label: Nigeria
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- Nigeria