Wise Jamaican
Jamaican Proverbs - “To Di Worl”
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Apr 15
Dem short fe singer when dem put peacock in a choir
Translation: They are short of singers when they put a peacock in the choir
Meaning: When there is a lack of resources, sometimes you are forced make do with an inappropriate option
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“If yuh cyaan walk fas’, teck time run”
Filed under Goals, Jamaican LifeApr 12If yuh cyaan walk fas’, teck time run
Translation: If you can’t walk fast, take time and run
Meaning: If you haven’t mastered the basics of a task, don’t rush to do the harder parts
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Apr 8
Peel neck chicken cry fi life, im no cry fi fedda
Translation: Peel neck chicken cries for life, he doesn’t cry for feathers
Meaning: Being beautiful is not everything- life is more important
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“Han’ go, packie cum”
Filed under Jamaican Life, MoneyApr 5Han’ go packie cum
Translation: A hand goes (out) and a packet comes back
Meaning: When you reach out a helping hand, good things come back to you
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Apr 1
Dwaag sey him won’t work him wi sit down an look fa him mus get a libin
Translation: The dog says he won’t work; he will sit down and look, for he must get a living
Meaning: Some people prefer to wait on others to give them handouts instead on working for their own money
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“De olda de moon de britah it shine”
Filed under Jamaican LifeMar 29De olda de moon de britah it shine
Translation: The older the moon the brighter it shines
Meaning: An older person is more likely to give better advice based on his/her experience
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Mar 25
Don’t mek goat watchman fe breadfruit tree
Translation: Don’t make a goat the watchman for a breadfruit tree
Meaning: Don’t put an unsuitable person in an important position
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Mar 22
The hotta de battle, de sweeta de victory
Translation: The hotter the battle, the sweeter the victory
Meaning: The harder the struggle, the more fulfilling the reward
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“A nuh one day monkey waan wife”
Filed under Animals, RelationshipsMar 18A nuh one day monkey waan wife
Translation: It is not for only one day that the monkey wants a wife
Meaning: Never forget the people that help you today, as you may need their help in the future
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“Finga nuh sey look ya, it sey look deh”
Filed under PersonalityMar 15Finga nuh sey look ya, it sey look deh
Translation: A finger does not say look here, it says look there
Meaning: Never criticize others before looking at yourself
