Meaning
You don't appreciate the value of something (or someone) until it is gone or until you need it. The cow ignores its tail until fly season, when it suddenly needs it to swat the flies away. A reminder to value what — and who — you have before it is too late.
Examples
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Him nebba value she till she lef — cow nebba know di use a him tail till fly-time.
He never valued her until she left — you don't appreciate what you have till it's gone.
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Now di help gone dem miss it. Cow nebba know di use a him tail till fly-time.
Now the help is gone they miss it. You value it only when you need it.
Origin
A traditional proverb; the cow needs its tail only when the flies come. See [[wanti-wanti-cyaan-getti]].
How it’s used
You value something only when it's gone or needed. See [[wanti-wanti-cyaan-getti]].