Nobody carves the spear shaft when war is declared.

What it means

Preparation has to happen before the moment that needs it. When the fight or the season arrives, it is too late to make your tools. Do the dull work early.

The source

"Nobody carves the spear shaft when war is declared." This Amharic proverb is recorded in Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 48. Translated from the original Amharic by Spartan Surfers.

"Est-ce qu'on taille le bois de la lance quand on déclare la guerre? Est-ce qu'on taille le timon au moment de la culture?"

Original Amharic, Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 48. 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 "Nobody carves the spear shaft when war is declared." mean?

Preparation has to happen before the moment that needs it. When the fight or the season arrives, it is too late to make your tools. Do the dull work early.

Who said "Nobody carves the spear shaft when war is declared."?

Amharic proverb. Source: Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 48.

What is the original Amharic?

Est-ce qu'on taille le bois de la lance quand on déclare la guerre? Est-ce qu'on taille le timon au moment de la culture?. Translated from the original Amharic by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Nobody carves the spear shaft when war is declared." on a shirt?

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

"Nobody carves the spear shaft when war is declared." (Amharic proverb, Faïtlovitch, Proverbes abyssins (1907), no. 48, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/nobody-carves-the-spear-shaft-when-war-is