caribbean proverbs and sayings
US Virgin Islands
A crab never forget he hole
There's no place like home.
proverb
1 comments
Barbados
A eyeful en a bellyful
Seeing is different from having.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
A faas mek anansi de a house top
It is dangerous to meddle in the affairs of others.
proverb
Belize
A lia is fugetful
A dishonest person can't remember to keep his story straight.
proverb
Jamaica
a no want a fat mek nightingale foot tan so
Do not prejudge based on appearances
proverb
Antigua & Barbuda
A no wantin tongue mek cattle can't talk
it's sometimes wisest to keep one's mouth shut.
proverb
Jamaica
A nu same day leaf drop it rotten
One bit of misfortune does not mean total destruction
proverb
Antigua & Barbuda
A word betta dan a wink fo a bline horse
Use the right motivation for each person
proverb
Guyana
All cassava get same skin but all nah taste same way
People may look alike, but all act differently
proverb
Antigua & Barbuda
all crab fine dey hole
Everyone finds their place in life.
proverb
US Virgin Islands
All fish does bite but shark does get di blame.
Those with a history of bad behaviour are always the first ones accused
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
All mout nu set fi tell di same lie.
If everyone says the same thing, there may be truth behind it.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Alligator lay egg, but him nu fowl
Things are not always as they seem.
proverb
Jamaica
Alligator shouldn't call hog long mout.
You shouldn't belittle or criticise others when you have the same faults.
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
ananci rope tie ananci
When you set traps for others you may trap yourself. The spider's web catches the spider.
proverb
Jamaica
Anansi rope tie him maasa
Be careful that you are not caught in the traps you set for others.
proverb
Jamaica
Annu every kin teet a laugh
Someone who smiles to your face does not necessarily mean you well
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Ants follow fat, fat drown im
Excessive greed will hurt you.
proverb
Jamaica
Anyting stay too long serve two masta
Take advantage of what you have before someone else takes it away from you
proverb
Haiti
Apre dans tanbou lou.
"After the dance, the drums are heavy". It's not all fun and good times when the party ends. Sometimes there's hard work.
proverb
Trinidad & Tobago
backing ah jackass in ah horse race
Picking a losing side
proverb
Jamaica
Bad luck wus dan obeah
Misfortune is worse than witchcraft
proverb
Belize
Bad ting neva got owner
No one wants to take responsibility for a mistake or bad situation
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Before dawg go widout suppa, im nyam cockroach
Make do with what is available to you.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Before monkey buy trousers, him affi know whe fi put him tail
Make sure the fashions of others suit you before you rush to adopt them.
proverb
1 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
behin dog is dog, in front dog is mister dog
To gossip behind someone's back but be friendly to their face
proverb
1 comments
Haiti
Bel anteman pa di paradi.
A beautiful funeral is no guarantee of entry into heaven.
proverb
Jamaica
Belly full, pitata ave kin
Contented people can afford to be choosy
proverb
Jamaica
Ben di tree when it young, when it ole it wi bruk
It is easier to train children when they are young than when they are older
proverb
Jamaica
Betta belly buss dan good food waste
It is better to overeat than to waste great food.
proverb
Barbados
Better fish in di sea dan wha get ketch
There's always a better lover than your current one.
proverb
Jamaica
big blanket mek man sleep late
Luxury and comfort make people lazy, complacent, and take things for granted
proverb
Guyana
Big tree fall down, goat bite he leaf
When the mighty fall on hard times, they are disrespected by all.
proverb
Jamaica
Bit bit mek poun
Small amounts will eventually add up
proverb
Jamaica
Black bud say fi im pickny fus
Attend to your own affairs before the affairs of others.
proverb
Belize
Blood can't wash out wit blood
Two wrongs don't make a right.
proverb
Belize
Blood falla vein
Family comes first
proverb
Belize
Blood ticka dan water, but water taste better
Dealing with friends or strangers is often better than dealing with family
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
bowl go, packy come
One good turn deserves another
proverb
Belize
Breeze blow pelikin same place him waa go
Some people will change direction or opinion to suit the moment
proverb
Jamaica
Bucket go well every day, one day di bottom ago drop out
If you repeatedly take the same risks, eventually it will end in disaster
proverb
Jamaica
Bucket wid hole a battam nu have no business a riverside
Don't criticise others when you have faults of your own.
proverb
3 comments
Jamaica
Bud fly too faas, pass him nes
Excessive ambition puts one in danger of missing their goals
proverb
Haiti
Byen prè pa lakay.
Very close is not home yet. A miss by an inch is the same as a miss by a mile.
proverb
Guyana
Cat a ketch rat, but he a teef he massa fish.
Good and evil often come from the same source.
proverb
Jamaica
Cause parrot mek noise, dem say a him one nyam banana
The loudest and most obvious always gets blamed.
proverb
Haiti
Chak jou pa dimanch
Every day is not Sunday. You can't rest all the time, sometimes you have to work.
proverb
Belize
Changie black dog fuh monkey
To make an exchange for something equally bad or worse than the original
proverb
Jamaica
Chicken merry, hawk de near.
Danger lurks wherever there is too much merriment and excitement.
proverb
3 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
Chile whe de on mudda back nu know how road long
The young and inexperienced don't understand true troubles or hardships.
proverb
Jamaica
Clear conscience sleep a tunda
Those with a clear conscience can sleep well through the stormiest nights
proverb
Jamaica
Cock mout kill cock
Choose your words with care lest you draw unpleasant or unwanted attention to yourself.
proverb
Jamaica
Cockroach neva right before chicken
One will never be judged fairly by one's enemies.
proverb
2 comments
Belize
Cockroach nu go da fowl dance
Don't go where you don't belong.
proverb
Trinidad & Tobago
Common sense make before book sense.
Not all useful knowledge comes from books or formal learning.
proverb
7 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
counting egg in fowl bottom
Don't count your chickens before they hatch
proverb
Jamaica
cowad man kip soun bone
It is better to be considered a coward that to take foolish risks.
proverb
Jamaica
Crab say im nu trus nu shadow afta dark
Don't make assumptions in uncertain situations.
proverb
Jamaica
Crab walk too much lose him claw
If you overuse a thing you will break or lose it.
proverb
Barbados
Crave all, get none at all
Excessive greed puts one in danger of losing everything.
proverb
Jamaica
Craven choke puppy
Greed will hurt you
proverb
Barbados
Crow does fly high, but when e come down, de ants does still eat out e eye
When the mighty fall on hard times, they are disrespected by all.
proverb
Jamaica
cry cry pickny neva have him right
People don't pay attention to those who constantly complain.
proverb
Jamaica
Cyaa bury a man an lef out him foot
Be sure to properly complete the task at hand
proverb
Jamaica
Dance a yard before yu dance abroad
Practice good behaviour at home before you go outside.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Dawg a sweat an long hair hide it
Things are not always what they seem. Not all that glitters is gold. Outward success often masks hidden struggles or stress.
proverb
Jamaica
Dawg a sweat and long hair hide it
Things are not always as they seem
proverb
Jamaica
Dawg say 'if im ave money', im woulda buy flea
Some people spend money on useless or necessary things.
proverb
Belize
Dawg whe eat egg neva stop
Bad habits are hard to break
proverb
Jamaica
Day longa dan rope
Time will right or avenge all wrongs
proverb
Barbados
De dog dat bring a bone will caah one
The person that gossips to you will gossip about you.
proverb
Barbados
De higher de monkey climb de more he show he tail
The more one shows off, the more one is vulnerable to ridicule and criticism.
proverb
1 comments
Barbados
De las' calf kill di cow
The final straw breaks the camel's back - Doing something once too many can cause disaster.
proverb
Jamaica
Def ears gi liad trouble
Be certain of what you have heard before you choose to repeat it
proverb
Jamaica
di higher monkey climb di more him expose
The more one shows off the more one is vulnerable to ridicule and criticism.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Di hotta di battle, di sweeta di victory
Success is more rewarding after hard work and struggle
proverb
Jamaica
Di house whe shelta yu when a rain, look fi it when sun hot
When you become successful, look out for those that helped you during your hard times.
proverb
Jamaica
Di man mek outa honey, fly wi nyam him
People take advantage of the goodnatured.
proverb
Jamaica
di more yu look di less yu si
The more you learn the more you realise you don't know
proverb
Jamaica
di more yu stir shit di more it stink
The more you dig in a bad situation the worse it becomes
proverb
Jamaica
Di ola di moon di brighta di shine
Age brings widsom
proverb
Jamaica
Di olda di moon di brighta it shine
Age brings wisdom
proverb
Jamaica
dog nu howl if him ha bone
Contented people don't protest things that don't concern them.
proverb
Barbados
Donkey got long ear but he don' like to hear he own story
People don't like to take criticism.
proverb
Jamaica
duck nu lay egg before fowl
You can achieve success regardless of your origin or background.
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
Duppy know who fi frighten
Bullies know exactly who they can abuse.
proverb
US Virgin Islands
Dutty han mek greasy mout
Work hard and you will eat well and enjoy the fruits of life
proverb
Antigua & Barbuda
Dutty water cool hot iron
Every thing has its use.
proverb
4 comments
US Virgin Islands
Dutty water will out fyah
Every thing has its use.
proverb
2 comments
Belize
Ebery pat gat a kibber
There's someone for everyone.
proverb
Jamaica
Empty bag cyaa stan up
A hungry person cannot work
proverb
Belize
Every day da nu Sundeh
You can't rest every day, sometimes you have to work
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Every day devil help teef. One day god wi help watchman
Good people should not be discouraged by the successes of unscrupulous people
proverb
Jamaica
Every day yu goad donkey, one day him gwine kick yu
Everyone has their limits
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
Every mickle mek a muckle
Every little bit adds up
proverb
1 comments
Guyana
Every rope gat two ends.
Every story has two sides.
proverb
Jamaica
Every tub affi sit on it own bottom.
Every person will have to take responsibility for his own life and actions.
proverb
Belize
Falla fashion monkey caahn buy good soup
Some people try to keep up with the fashions of others even if they have to deprive themselves of basic necessities.
proverb
1 comments
Bahamas
Fattening frog for snake
Taking care of a woman only for a next man to enjoy her.
proverb
6 comments
Jamaica
Finger neba say look ya, him say look yonda.
People never point out their own faults.
proverb
Bahamas
Fisherman never smell he own basket
People are oblivious to their own faults and flaws
proverb
Belize
Fool fool daag bark afta moonlight
Fools worry about everything
proverb
Jamaica
Fowl gwine fat im begin fram him toe
Adult behaviours begin in childhood
proverb
Jamaica
Fowl whe feed a yard nu hard fi ketch
It is easy to catch up to someone who is avoiding or running away from you when that person depends on you for something essential.
proverb
Belize
Fus food da nu fool
Don't blame the first one deceived.
proverb
Jamaica
Fus laaf anno laaf
He who laughs last, laughs best
proverb
3 comments
Jamaica
Fyah de a mus mus tail, him tink a cool breeze
Some people are happily oblivious to the trouble or dangers hanging over them.
proverb
Jamaica
Gi a man a haas him want saggle to
Help someone once and they'll always want more
proverb
1 comments
Trinidad & Tobago
Goat doh make sheep
Children turn out like their parents.
proverb
5 comments
Jamaica
Good friend betta dan pocket money
True friends are better than money
proverb
Belize
Good soup neva meet good fufu
Good things rarely happen at the same time
proverb
Jamaica
Haad ears pickny nyam rockstone
Disobedient children often learn the hard way
proverb
Belize
Han napkin tun tablecloth
Someone who has advanced in life and now looks down on others
proverb
Bahamas
Hand go, hand come.
As you give, so shall you receive.
proverb
Jamaica
Hang yu basket whe yu can reach it
Keep your goals within your abilities and means
proverb
1 comments
Belize
Hog ask he mumma "whe mek yu mout so long?". He mumma say "nu worry chile, you soon fine out"
Experience teaches wisdom
proverb
1 comments
Bahamas
Hog know where to rub he skin
Bullies know exactly who they can abuse.
proverb
Jamaica
hog nyam wha him myne gi him fa
To each their own.
proverb
Jamaica
Hog say the fus water im ketch im walla
Take advantage of the first opportunity.
proverb
Jamaica
Howdy an tenk yu nu bruk no square
It never costs anything to be polite.
proverb
Jamaica
Humble calf suck di most milk
Humility is more rewarding that arrogance
proverb
Jamaica
hungry hungry an full full nu travel same pass
The rich and the poor live different lives and go different ways
proverb
Barbados
Hungry mek cat eat salt
Necessity or hard times forces people to do strange things
proverb
Jamaica
Hungry mek monkey blow fire
People are forced to become innovative and resourceful under harsh conditions
proverb
Barbados
If blackbird fly wid pigeon he will get shoot
You are judged by the company you keep.
proverb
Jamaica
If speech wort shillin, silence worth pound
Sometimes it is better to keep your mouth shut. Silence is golden.
proverb
Jamaica
If you bawn fi heng, yu cyaa drown
Your destiny will be fulfilled
proverb
Jamaica
If yu cuss Johncrow peel head turky wi bex
People resent when you criticise others that are similar to them
proverb
Jamaica
If yu cyaa get turkey, satisfy wid John Crow.
Make the best of a bad situation, and be content with what you have.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
If yu cyaa walk faas, tek time run
Master the basics before you attempt more difficult activities
proverb
Jamaica
If yu fraid a yeye yu cyaa nyam head
One must be willing to put up with unpleasant things in order to be successful
proverb
Jamaica
if yu get yu han in devil mout tek time tek it out
Be careful and cautious when you get into difficulty
proverb
Jamaica
If yu mash ants yu fine im guts
People reveal their true colours when faced with pressure or hard times.
proverb
Belize
If yu nu check di watah, nu tek off yu shoe
Look before you leap
proverb
Jamaica
If yu nu go unda fowl coob, fowl cyaa shit pan yu
People abuse you or take advantage of you unless you put yourself in a position for them to do so.
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
If yu see everybody a run tek time
Don't be too eager to follow others
proverb
Jamaica
If yu waa good, yu nose affi run
Success requires hard work
proverb
Jamaica
If yu want half a bread beg it, if yu want one, buy it yuself
If you want a job done right, do it yourself
proverb
Jamaica
Igle jackass follow cane trash go a poun
People who have nothing to do, or are bored do stupid things to kill time
proverb
Jackass say 'hill an gully yasso', 'hill and gully desso'
Life is filled with ups and downs
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Jackass seh di worl nu level
Life isn't fair.
proverb
Jamaica
john crow neva mek house til rain come
Some people never make plans until the last minute when they have no choice.
proverb
Belize
Jamaica
John Crow tink he pickny white
Parents think their children are saints, different from other children
proverb
Haiti
Kay koule twompe soley soley men li pa twompe lapil.
A leaky house can fool the sun, but it can't fool the rain.
proverb
1 comments
Belize
Kine word neva bruk jawbone
You'll never get beat up for saying something nice or polite
proverb
1 comments
Cuba
La salud es la mayor riqueza
Health is the greatest wealth.
proverb
2 comments
Haiti
Lafimen pa janm leve san dife.
There's no smoke without fire. Rumours always have a grain of truth.
proverb
Trinidad & Tobago
Laugh an cry does live in di same house
The thing that makes you happy may also hurt you
proverb
2 comments
Belize
Lessa fowl, lessa shit
Fewer people, fewer problems.
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
Likkle alligator tun big alligator
Children invariably adopt all the bad attributes of their parents.
proverb
Jamaica
long run, short ketch
You may escape for now, but you will eventually get caught
proverb
Haiti
Makak pa janm kwe petit-li led.
"A monkey never thinks her baby's ugly." People never see their own faults
proverb
Belize
Man hate yu, he gi yu basket fi carry wata
People who dislike you will give you difficult or impossible tasks
proverb
Jamaica
Man nu dead, nu call dem duppy
Don't underestimate people
proverb
Jamaica
Mawga cow a bull mumma
Someone who appears weak or vulnerable may have powerful allies.
proverb
Jamaica
mek one jackass bray
If someone is saying nonsense don't add to it.
proverb
Barbados
Mek sure betta dan cock sure
It is better to verify than to assume
proverb
Haiti
Men anpil chay pa lou.
Many hands lighten the load.
proverb
Jamaica
mischief come by di poun an go by di ounce
People can stir up a lot of trouble with very little action or very few words
proverb
Jamaica
Mischief come by di poun and go by di ounce
It only takes a little effort or few words to start a lot of trouble.
proverb
Trinidad & Tobago
Monkey doh si he own tail
People never recognise their own faults
proverb
Antigua & Barbuda
Moon run faas but day ketch im
Your actions and misdeeds will eventually have consequences.
proverb
Haiti
Nan tan grangou patat pa gen po.
In times of famine and hardships potatoes have no skin.
proverb
Jamaica
nanny goat neva scratch him back til him si wall
Always wait for the perfect time and opportunity
proverb
Belize
Neva drap di bone fi ketch di shadow
Don't lose what you have because of greed for more.
proverb
Jamaica
new broom sweep clean, ole broom know corna
The young have energy and enthusiasm but the old have experience and wisdom
proverb
Jamaica
no matta how cockroach drunk him nah walk paas fowl yard
Always look out for yourself no matter what
proverb
Belize
No stop a donkey whe yu no own
Mind your own business.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Nu betta herrin, nu betta barrel
Don't expect children to be better than, or different from, their parents.
proverb
Jamaica
Nu cuss alligator long mout til yu cross di riva
Don't provoke people while they are in a position to retaliate.
proverb
Jamaica
Nu dash whe stick before yu done cross riva
Don't be too quick to discard or reject things because you may need them in the future
proverb
Jamaica
Nu jus one way fi heng dog
There is more than one way to accomplish a goal
proverb
Jamaica
Nu matta how boar hog hide unda sheep wool, him grunt betray him
People's true colours will always come to the surface
proverb
Jamaica
nu mek one donkey choke yu
Don't be misled by a fool
proverb
Jamaica
nu stone fluxy mango
Don't spend effort on useless things
proverb
Jamaica
Nu tek ugly mek laugh
Don't laugh at the misfortunes of others
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
nu wait til drum beat before yu grine yu axe
Always be prepared
proverb
Jamaica
Nubady neva kick dead dawg
The successful are criticised
proverb
Jamaica
Nutt'n beat a trial but a failure.
You can't succeed if you don't try.
proverb
Jamaica
Nyam some, lef some
Plan for tomorrow; Don't consume everything all at once.
proverb
Jamaica
Ole fyah stick easy fi ketch
It's easier to rekindle a romantic relationship than to start a new one with someone new.
proverb
Jamaica
One finga cyaa ketch lice
Sometimes it is necessary to cooperate in order to achieve a goal
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
one finga cyaa kill louse
Sometimes it is necessary to cooperate in order to achieve a goal
proverb
Barbados
One one blow does kill ole cow
Simple or minor annoyances may build up to cause major damage
proverb
Jamaica
One one coco full basket
Little by little the task will be completed
proverb
Belize
One plate a dinner nu fatten maaga dog
One piece of good luck doesn't do much to change a bad state of affairs
proverb
Jamaica
Parson christ'n him pickny fus
People look out for themselves before others
proverb
Jamaica
Pastor christen him pickny first
Take care of your own affairs before you attend to the affairs of others.
proverb
Jamaica
Peacock hide him foot when him hear 'bout him tail.
A proud person hides his weaknesses when praised.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Peel neck fowl bawl fi life, im nu bawl fi fedda
Outward beauty isn't the most important thing
proverb
Jamaica
People nuh stone mango tree when it naw bear.
People attack you for your successes
proverb
Jamaica
Pepper bun hot but it good fi curry
Harsh advice may be good for you
proverb
Jamaica
Pick an pick until yu pick shit
The excessively picky end up making poor choices
proverb
4 comments
Belize
Plantain nu eat like rice
Make do with what is available to you
proverb
Jamaica
Play fool fi ketch wise
Feign ignorance to one's advantage
proverb
Jamaica
Play stone kill bud
One person's fun and games may have serious consequences for another.
proverb
Belize
Play wid puppy he lick yu mout
Familiarity breeds contempt
proverb
Jamaica
Poun a fret cyaa pay ounce a debt
Worrying does not improve a bad situation.
proverb
1 comments
Antigua & Barbuda
Poun o fretment nu pay fo gill o debtment
Worrying does not improve a bad situation.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Pudd'n cyaa bake widout fyah
You need the right tools for each job
proverb
Jamaica
Puss belly full him say rat batty stink
Only contented people can afford to be choosy.
proverb
Jamaica
Quattie bread full monkey belly
The poor or disadvantaged are easily satisfied
proverb
Jamaica
Rain a fall but dutty tough
Income is coming in, but not enough to meet all needs
proverb
Jamaica
rain neva fall a one man door
Some things affect everybody
proverb
Barbados
Rat mout does sell he head
Talking too much gets one in trouble
proverb
Haiti
Rayi chyen di dan’l blan.
"Hate the dog, but admit its teeth are white". Give the devil his due; even those you dislike may have good qualities.
proverb
Jamaica
Rockstone a riva bottom nu know sun hot
Sheltered persons don't know true hardship or troubles.
proverb
Haiti
Sa k rive koukouloulou a, ka rive kakalanga tou.
What happens to the turkey can happen to the rooster too.
proverb
Belize
Sake a mout fish get ketch
Talking too much gets one in trouble
proverb
Jamaica
Saltfish de pan counta a wait pan bread an butta
Lazy people wait for rewards instead of working for them
proverb
Belize
Same knife kill sheep kill goat
The thing you do to others can be done to you.
proverb
Haiti
Sel pa vante tèt li di li sale.
Salt doesn't brag that it is salty.
proverb
Jamaica
shoes alone know if stocking have hole
Only those closest to a situation fully understand it.
proverb
Jamaica
Sick nu care, doctor worst
If you don't care about your own problems, don't expect anyone else to care
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
sleep nu ha no massa
Sooner or later you have to sleep
proverb
Jamaica
So much mout cyaa set fi tell di same lie
If everybody makes the same accusation then there must be some truth in it.
proverb
Jamaica
Sorry fi mawga daag dem tun roun bite you.
No good deed goes unpunished.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
stranger nu know di deep wata
Be careful with things you don't fully understand
proverb
US Virgin Islands
Studyation betta dan education
Common sense is better than formal education or learning.
proverb
Jamaica
'Tank yu' nu buy half bit bread
Payment is more useful than expressions of gratitude
proverb
Jamaica
Teef neva love fi si teef wid long bag
Unscrupulous people begrudge the successes of other unscrupulous people
proverb
Jamaica
Teef Teef from feef, God laugh
God laughs at poetic justice
proverb
Jamaica
Tek kin teet kibba heart bun
Laughter is the best medicine
proverb
Jamaica
Thief neva like fi see thief with long bag
Those who prosper by illegal or crooked means dislike those who are more successful than themselves via the same means
proverb
Jamaica
Trouble nu set like rain
Problems often arrive without warning
proverb
Jamaica
tu much ratta neva dig good hole
If too many people are involved in a thing it will not be done well
proverb
Jamaica
tu much siddung bruk breeches
Idleness creates wants
proverb
Jamaica
Tumuch callaloo mek peppa pot bitta
There can be too much of a good thing
proverb
Barbados
Two poor cow does make good dung
People of limited means can improve themselves by working together and combining resources
proverb
Jamaica
Victory nu come fram lie dung inna bead
Success requires hard work
proverb
Jamaica
Want all, lose all.
Excessive greed puts one in danger of losing everything.
proverb
Jamaica
We don't play hockey, we eat ackee
A funny bit of wordplay by deejay Shabba Ranks that depends on the overlapping pronunciations of 'ackee' (the food) and 'hockey' (the game). This pronunciation overlap is made stronger (and funnier) with the additional context that some Jamaicans have a tendency to add an intrusive 'h' at the start of words beginning with vowels and some Jamaicans have a tendency to drop the leading 'h' in words.
proverb
2 comments
Belize
Wen da tree ben yu cyaa straighten it
Train children properly before it's too late
proverb
Belize
Wen man dead grass grow da i door mout
The dead are soon forgotten.
proverb
Jamaica
Wen yu gwine knock anansi memba di wall
When you try to hurt another be sure you aren't hurting yourself.
proverb
Jamaica
Wha nu kill fatten
That which does not destroy you makes you stronger
proverb
Bahamas
Wha sweeten yu mouth goin bitter yu tail.
That which causes merriment and pleasure now will cause grief and sorrow later.
proverb
Jamaica
What is joke to bwoy is death to frog.
One person's fun and games may have serious consequences for another.
proverb
Jamaica
whe goat do, kid falla
Children invariably adopt all the bad attributes of their parents.
proverb
Trinidad & Tobago
Whe horse reach, jackass does reach an pass
The race is not for the swift, slow and steady wins
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
when ashes cold dog sleep de
Circumstances change.
proverb
Belize
When bone nu provide, dog nu de
One is not welcome where one is not invited
proverb
Jamaica
When bull foot bruk, im nyam wid monkey
Misfortune or harsh time creates unlikely companionships
proverb
Jamaica
When cloud shado come, sun nu set
One rough time does not mean all hope is lost
proverb
Belize
When cockroach mek dance e no invite fowl
Don't invite trouble.
proverb
Jamaica
When coco ripe it mus bus
All will be revealed when the time is right.
proverb
Jamaica
when eskimo have money him buy fridge
People with too much money spend it on unnecessary things.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
When jackass smell corn him gallop
Use the appropriate encouragement for each person
proverb
2 comments
Jamaica
when man dead him nu fraid fi rotten
No need to fear things that cannot harm you.
proverb
Belize
When man no gat nutt'n fu do he go da sabana an tell cow maanin
People who have nothing to do, or are bored do stupid things to kill time
proverb
Belize
When pickny waa cry, yuh only look pan dem an dem cry
Some people love to complain, and will complain about every and anything
proverb
Jamaica
When rat like ramp roun puss jaw, one day him gwine en up in puss craw
If you continually flirt with danger you will eventually get hurt.
proverb
Belize
Jamaica
When trouble ketch yu, pickny shut fit you
People squeeze themselves into tight situations in order to escape trouble.
proverb
Barbados
When yuh en got horse, ride cow.
Use the resources available to you.
proverb
1 comments
Barbados
White mout fowl does eat and den wipe he mout in grass
Some people will never show gratitude.
proverb
Jamaica
who beg nah get and who nu beg nu want
Nobody is getting any.
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
willful waste bring woeful want
You will often find yourself needing the things you wasted
proverb
Jamaica
Willin pickny belly full, unwillin pickny belly empty
Children who are helpful and willing are better rewarded
proverb
Jamaica
Wise monkey know wha tree fi climb
Choose your goals or battles carefully
proverb
1 comments
Jamaica
Young bud nu know storm
The young and inexperienced don't understand true troubles or hardships.
proverb
Barbados
Yu can' plant yam and reap eddoe
Your reward or punishment is in line with your actions
proverb
Jamaica
Yu cyaa ride cow an cuss cow kin
You shouldn't criticise those on whom you depend.
proverb
Jamaica
Yu neva si pop gun kill alligator
Don't expect success if you set someone a task that is beyond their ability
proverb
Jamaica
Yu nu know how parson get him gown.
Don't envy the success of others when you don't know what it cost.
proverb
Jamaica
Yu shake man han, yu nu shake him heart
Appearances can be deceiving
proverb
Jamaica
yu spread yu bed haad, yu affi liddung pan it hard
You have to live with the consequences of your actions
proverb
Belize
Yuh borrow money, i mek enemy
Debt always comes between friends and family
proverb
Barbados
Yuh caan stan in de road an sih de leak in somebody else house
Unless you're close to someone you don't know the true nature of their problems
proverb
Haiti
Zafè kabrit pa zafè mouton.
The goat's business is not the sheep's business. Focus on your own affairs instead of the affairs of others.
proverb
1 comments