The farmer's eye sharpens the machete.

What it means

Work goes better when the person who cares is watching. Attention keeps everyone sharp, including yourself. Keep your eye on what matters to you.

The source

"The farmer's eye sharpens the machete." This Igbo proverb is recorded in Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 88, p. 14. Translated by Thomas, 1913.

"The eyes of the farmer sharpen the matchet."

Thomas, 1913, Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 88, p. 14. 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 "The farmer's eye sharpens the machete." mean?

Work goes better when the person who cares is watching. Attention keeps everyone sharp, including yourself. Keep your eye on what matters to you.

Who said "The farmer's eye sharpens the machete."?

Igbo proverb. Source: Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 88, p. 14.

What is the original wording?

The eyes of the farmer sharpen the matchet (Thomas, 1913). Translated by Thomas, 1913.

Is "The farmer's eye sharpens the machete." on a shirt?

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

"The farmer's eye sharpens the machete." (Igbo proverb, Thomas, Ibo-Speaking Peoples, Part III (1913), Proverbs no. 88, p. 14, trans. Thomas, 1913). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-farmers-eye-sharpens-the-machete