Ọkọ kọọ mmadụ, mmadụ ibe ya akọ ya; ọkọ kọọ anụ ọhịa, ọ chịe ahụ ya n’osisi.

Literal translation

A person asks another to scratch an itch; a wild animal rubs against a tree.

Explanation

The contrast is between human cooperation and the animal that has only a tree to rub against.

When to use it

When someone should ask for help instead of struggling alone.

Source: Anyabuike, proverb 18.