Wise Jamaican
Jamaican Proverbs - “To Di Worl”
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Jul 29
“Cow ded him lef’ trouble gi cow-skin”
Translation: When a cow dies, he leaves trouble for the cow skin
Meaning: Make sure that you take care of your personal business before you die, so that those you leave behind are not inconvenienced
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Jul 22
When bull foot bruk, ‘im nyam wid monkey
Translation: When a bull’s foot is broken, he will eat with a monkey
Meaning: When misfortune overtakes strong people, they will live with persons that they consider their inferiors
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Jul 15
Ebry jackass sey ‘im cubby ah race hass
Translation: Every jackass says his cub is a racehorse
Meaning: Parents always think that their children are destined for greatness
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Jul 8
When chicken tie up cockroach want explanation
Translation: When a chicken is tied up the cockroach wants an explanation
Meaning: When something doesn’t look right one will become suspicious
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Jul 1
Crab nuh walk nuh get fat; walk too much, ‘im lose ‘im claw
Translation: A crab which doesn’t walk doesn’t get fat; if it walks too much it loses its claw
Meaning: If you don’t seek out opportunities you won’t be successful, but don’t overdo your activities as you might end up in trouble
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“Puss gawn, rat tek ‘ouse”
Filed under Animals, Jamaican LifeJun 24Puss gawn, rat tek ‘ouse
Translation: When the cat is gone, rats take up the house
Meaning: When authority or control is missing, people will exploit the situation
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“De man all honey, fly wi’ nyam him”
Filed under Animals, RelationshipsJun 17De man all honey, fly wi’ nyam him
Translation: The man who is all honey, flies will eat him
Meaning: People will take advantage of a good natured person
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Jun 10
Nuh let mudfish tail touch wata
Translation: Don’t let a mudfish’s tail touch water
Meaning: Used as a threat to a troublesome person
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Jun 3
Nuh one way deh fe hang daag
Translation: There is not just one way to hang a dog
Meaning: There are plenty of ways to accomplish a goal, not just the obvious way
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May 27
Bud fly too fast, pass im ness
Translation: A bird that flies too fast, passes his nest
Meaning: Don’t be too hasty in your actions as you might end up missing your goal
