The field rat is found by the one who listens for it.

What it means

Good things come to people who pay attention and go after them. Nobody stumbles on the field rat by sitting at home. Listen, search and work for what you want.

The source

"The field rat is found by the one who listens for it." This Zulu proverb is recorded in Bryant, Zulu-English Dictionary (1905), s.v. i(li)-Buzi. Translated by Bryant, 1905.

"the where-abouts of the field-rat (eaten by some children) are known to him who listens for it = if you want a thing, you must go and work for it"

Bryant, 1905, Bryant, Zulu-English Dictionary (1905), s.v. i(li)-Buzi. 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 field rat is found by the one who listens for it." mean?

Good things come to people who pay attention and go after them. Nobody stumbles on the field rat by sitting at home. Listen, search and work for what you want.

Who said "The field rat is found by the one who listens for it."?

Zulu proverb. Source: Bryant, Zulu-English Dictionary (1905), s.v. i(li)-Buzi.

What is the original wording?

the where-abouts of the field-rat (eaten by some children) are known to him who listens for it = if you want a thing, you must go and work for it (Bryant, 1905). Translated by Bryant, 1905.

Is "The field rat is found by the one who listens for it." on a shirt?

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"The field rat is found by the one who listens for it." (Zulu proverb, Bryant, Zulu-English Dictionary (1905), s.v. i(li)-Buzi, trans. Bryant, 1905). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-field-rat-is-found-by-the-one