Wise Jamaican
Jamaican Proverbs - “To Di Worl”
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Mar 8
Ebery day devil help t’ief, one day God wi’ help watchman
Translation: Every day the devil helps the thief, but one day God will help the watchman
Meaning: Even though evil people seem to be succeeding all the time, good people should be not be discouraged because eventually they will win.
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“Anywey it mawga it bruk”
Filed under Jamaican Life, RelationshipsMar 1Anywey it mawga it bruk
Translation: Anywhere it’s thin, it will break
Meaning: When a situation is at its weakest point that’s when it will break. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link.
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“Nuh buy rancid butta to feed tom-cat”
Filed under Animals, RelationshipsFeb 18Nuh buy rancid butta to feed tom-cat
Translation: Don’t buy rancid butter to feed a tom cat
Meaning: Don’t provide for a woman who is giving her favours to another man
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“One han’ cyaan clap”
Filed under RelationshipsFeb 11One han’ cyaan clap
Translation: One hand cannot clap
Meaning: You have to work with others to achieve a common goal, you can’t do it alone
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“Ole fire tick easy fi ketch”
Filed under Family, RelationshipsJan 28Ole fire tick easy fi ketch
Translation: Old fire stick is easily ignited
Meaning: Old love is easily rekindled
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Jan 18
Fas’ asleep yet broad awake, yu hear de bells a heav’n strike
Translation: Fast asleep yet wide awake, you hear the bells of heaven strike
Meaning: You hear the truth spoken about yourself
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Jan 11
De house wha’ shelta yuh when a rain, yuh fe look fe ‘im when sun hot
Translation: The house that shelters you in the rain, you should look for it when the sun is hot
Meaning: Look out for those that helped you out in hard times, and return the favour if needed
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Jan 4
When man mek himself lika suga everybody use him
Translation: When a man makes himself like sugar everybody uses him
Meaning: When you are too kind, people will take advantage of you
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Dec 21
Nuh dash wey yu tick before yu dun crass riva
Translation: Do not throw away your stick before you have gone across the river
Meaning: Before making a commitment make sure that you can carry it out
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“Blood ticka dan wata”
Filed under Family, RelationshipsNov 2Blood ticka dan wata
Translation: Blood thicker than water
Meaning: The bond between blood relatives is very strong
