Wednesday, July 30, 2025

When the lion cannot find meat, it eats grass

The African proverb, "When the lion cannot find meat, it eats grass," speaks to the idea of adaptability and resilience. A lion, which is naturally a carnivore, survives by eating meat. However, when the circumstances are unfavorable, it resorts to grass, a less ideal but necessary option. This highlights the ability to compromise or find alternatives when faced with challenges. In life, this proverb teaches the importance of being flexible and resourceful, even when things do not go as planned.

Take the example of Maëly, a dedicated and hardworking individual. She had planned to pursue her dream career in art, but due to unforeseen financial difficulties, she had to take up a temporary job in a completely different field to make ends meet. This job was not her passion, but it provided her with the stability she needed during that difficult time. 

By embracing this change, Maëly adapted to her circumstances, ensuring that she could still work toward her long-term goals, just as the lion finds an alternative source of sustenance when it cannot hunt its usual prey.

In Maëly’s personal life, she and her husband, Antoine, faced financial challenges while saving for a new home. Antoine was also dealing with reduced work hours, causing additional strain. 

Instead of becoming overwhelmed, the couple decided to cut back on non-essential expenses, taking on part-time work and making smaller sacrifices together. They implemented the proverb by adapting to their situation and making temporary adjustments, ensuring their long-term plans would not be derailed.

This proverb teaches us that when faced with adversity, one must not despair. Like the lion, it’s crucial to be flexible, to make compromises when necessary, and to remember that difficult situations can often be temporary, as long as we remain resilient and adaptable.


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