Usaverenga mbeva nemiswe (yadzo)

Usaverenga mbeva nemiswe (yadzo).

English Direct Translation 

Do not count mice (together) with their tails.

Variants 

1. Usaverenga mbeva nemidune. (midune: shrews)

Shona Explanation  

Kana pasvika panguva yebasa kana nguva yokuita chimwe chinhu hazvibatsiri kuverenga navaya vasingagoni kuchiita nokuti vanongova zviwanzahuruva.

English Explanation 

In a difficult undertaking, do not reckon on those whose help would be insignificant or ineffective. To fight out a dispute with a neighbour, for instance, a mother would not rely on the help of a baby in her arms