A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

loaf see HALF a loaf is better than no bread; a SLICE off a cut loaf isn’t missed.

loathing see LENGTH begets loathing.

local see THINK global, act local.

lock see it is too late to shut the STABLE-door after the horse has bolted.

locksmith see LOVE laughs at locksmiths.

loft see SEPTEMBER blow soft, till the fruit’s in the loft.

No matter how long a LOG stays in the water, it doesn’t become a crocodile

Proverb of the Bambara people of Mali, meaning that essential characteristics do not
change because of external circumstances. Versions exist in several West and Central African
languages.

1976 K. M. AITHNARD Some Aspects of Cultural Policy in Togo 36 As two

Togolese proverbs say, ‘If you do not know where you are going try at least to know

where you have come from’, for ‘it is not because the log has floated for a long time in

the water that it will become a crocodile.’ 1987 P. STOLLER & C. OAKES In Sorcery’s

Shadow 21 Although the people of Mehanna professed their eternal friendship, I was a

stranger.. I knew that I would never cross the invisible threshold to become an insider. .A

floating log does not become a crocodile. 2001 http://www.afriprov.org ‘African Proverb of the

Month’ June No matter how long a log stays in the water, it doesn’t become a crocodile.

2007 M. K. ASANTE An Afrocentric Manifesto 36 ‘We were Africans who retained much

of Africa even through the slavery institution and we also were deeply affected by Europe

in America, but we remained Africans.’ Wolof wisdom says, ‘Wood may remain in water

for ten years but it will never become a crocodile.’ appearance, deceptive;

circumstances

London see what MANCHESTER says today, the rest of England says tomorrow.

LONG and lazy, little and loud; fat and fulsome, pretty and proud