No one tests the depth of a river with both feet.

What it means

Before you commit everything, test the ground with part of your weight. One foot in tells you what you need to know and leaves you a way back. Be bold, but not careless.

The source

"No one tests the depth of a river with both feet." This Akan proverb is recorded in Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 724 (Christaller 1879, no. 158). Translated by Rattray, 1916.

"No one tests the depth of a river with both his feet,"

Rattray, 1916, Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 724 (Christaller 1879, no. 158). Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "No one tests the depth of a river with both feet." mean?

Before you commit everything, test the ground with part of your weight. One foot in tells you what you need to know and leaves you a way back. Be bold, but not careless.

Who said "No one tests the depth of a river with both feet."?

Akan proverb. Source: Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 724 (Christaller 1879, no. 158).

What is the original wording?

No one tests the depth of a river with both his feet, (Rattray, 1916). Translated by Rattray, 1916.

Is "No one tests the depth of a river with both feet." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"No one tests the depth of a river with both feet." (Akan proverb, Rattray, Ashanti Proverbs (1916), no. 724 (Christaller 1879, no. 158), trans. Rattray, 1916). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/no-one-tests-the-depth-of-a-river