Proverbs Explained

Suh Wi Seh-It Proverbs Explanation

Question #Jamaican Explaination English Explaination
1Free to say what you wantThe young fail to appreciate or make good use of what they experience.
2Family bonds are stronger or more important than any other relationshipA large number of people co-operating can perform tasks easily.
3Think carefully on the possible risks before you decide to act on somethingDo not procrastinate whatever that can be done today until tomorrow.
4Reaping the benefits of someone else's effortsYou cannot hide injustice. It will surface sooner than later.
5Anything that you feel good about can bring disgraceif you sort out a problem immediately it may save a lot of extra work later.
6people or situations may seem similar on the surface, they might not be so in realitySuggests that someone who blames their surroundings or tools for their mistakes is a “bad workman.”
7If you are in a sheltered situation, you don't know what hardship isIt is better to do something or arrive after the expected time than not do it or arrive at all.
8If you cannot get what you want must be satisfied with that which comes nearest to it in appearance. A person who has failed or been hurt when trying to do something is careful or fearful about doing it again.
9Make use of the first opportunities that comes your way - instead of waiting for the ideal opportunityIt's wiser to be cautious and careful than to be hasty or rash and so do something you may later regret
10Be thankful for the blessings that come to you, always realising that many of the things we take for granted are luxuries to others.What someone actually does means more than what they say they will do.
11We should not behave as if we are better than others, or allow our position in life to blind us to the fact that tremendous opportunities can be given to those persons whom we would least expect to reap these benefits.We must begin something if we hope to finish it, something that takes a long time to get finished begins with one first step
12If you can’t add value to a situation or argument, don’t get involved, because if you do, you will wish you didn’t.Enjoyable experiences cannot last for ever
13There is someone special out there for everyoneComplex and sometimes multiple ideas can be conveyed by a single still image
14What might seem fine and lovely now, might not be laterA process appears to go more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
15Eventually children will learn about the challenges of lifeThat which one person finds beautiful or admirable may not appeal to another.
16This saying refers to prioritization. In layman terms, it means that you should deal with crucial matters first.People of the same sort or with the same tastes and interests will be found together.
17An unpleasant situation has to improve eventuallybeing clean is a sign of spiritual purity or goodness
18Some things are better left unspoken; don't repeat everything you hearTo act badly towards the person who is helping or has helped you
19We should take things one step at a time and eventually we will get where we want to.Don't be too confident in anticipating success or good fortune before it is certain
20Be prepared for all eventualities.You shouldn't judge someone or something based only on what you see on the outside or only on what you perceive without knowing the full situation.
21What is meant to be yours, will be yoursDon't risk everything on the success of one venture
22It is much easier to light coals which have been burnt before, than to get a fire going with fresh logs.If too many people are involved in a task or activity, it will not be done well.
23Family bonds are stronger or more important than any other relationshipTo have or do two good things at the same time that are impossible to have or do at the same time
24This warns us not to underestimate the value of the elderlypeople cannot change their basic personalities, habits, etc.
25People are wiser than they lookBeing inquisitive about other people's affairs may get you into trouble.
26This is a warning for persons to be mindful of the choices that they make as sometimes appearance can be deceiving. This is similar to saying don’t judge a book by its cover.To do something that is meant to harm someone else but that also harms the person who does it
27Parents always think that their children are destined for greatnessEvery difficult or sad situation has a comforting or more hopeful aspect, even though this may not be immediately apparent.
28People who suddenly come into money and do everything they can to show itGranting someone a limited concession will encourage them to take greater liberties.
29You can predict the weather but you can't predict when trouble will strike.It's better to be content with what you have than to risk losing everything by seeking to get more
30how easily people tend to spend hard-earned money on things they don't need A group can only be as successful as its least successful or powerful person
31When we get extra money we tend to splurge.Success comes from sticking together and to do anything. else is to invoke disaster
32A person who is envious of someone else who is succeedingA patient seeker will be satisfied in due time; patience is a virtue
33People reveal their true colours when faced with pressure or hard times.If something is reasonably successful or effective, there is no need to change or replace it.
34One is not interested in activities that waste timeIf you are unable to outdo rivals in some endeavour, you might as well cooperate with them and thereby possibly gain an advantage.
35If you are patient you will succeed in any difficult situation.If one is unaware of an unpleasant fact or situation one cannot be troubled by it.
36makes no sense to take precautions after we carelessly allowed a situation to get out of hand.Used to convey that there is still time for a situation to change.
37 It is impossible to detect what a person has in his mind toward you through mere physical contactAvoid interfering in a situation that is currently causing no problems but may well do so as a result of such interference.
38Old relationship between lovers can be easily rekindledThere is no need to worry, because people normally only send information when something bad has happened
39Be more careful of the things we say as our words can come back to haunt usSuffering is necessary in order to achieve something
40A proud person does not like his little weaknesses exposed.A person stops thinking about something or someone if he or she does not see that thing or person for a period of time
41Act cautiously in getting out of difficultyRegular exercise of an activity or skill is the way to become proficient in it
42It is better to be thought of as a coward than to give away one’s life through impetuous behaviour.An adage attesting to the need for time to create great things
43Someone who wants everything but when it’s given to them, they can't handle it.Make use of an opportunity immediately.
44Used to describe someone (or a system) that is clueless. It encourages people to stop being complacent, as you will be unprepared when disaster strikes.Whoever arrives first has the best chance of success; some opportunities are available only to the first competitors.
45You may help a person in need who ends up harming you in return for your kindnessOther people's lives or situations always seem better than your own.
46It is not always possible to get everything you want.  Be satisfied with what little you have, until you are able to get all you want.The real worth, success, or effectiveness of something can only be determined by putting it to the test by trying or using it, appearances and promises aside
47What you do to, or wish for others, could eventually be the cause of your own downfallWrong or unfair methods may be used if the overall goal is good.
48Excessive greed puts one in danger of losing everythingIt is best to follow the traditions or customs of a place being visited
49Don't willfully waste what you have or you could end up bitterly regretting what you wasted when you find yourself in needIf you think something might cause trouble, leave it alone and wait until it actually causes trouble
50A good friend, especially in times of trouble, is always proven to be of more more worthPeople will naturally take advantage of the absence of someone in authority to do as they like.
51A tremendous amount of trouble with only a few words or maybe one action. We could hurt ourselves and others irreparably.You can show someone how to do something, but you can't make them do it
52It’s always best to be discreet; it’s never good to gossipYou cannot make people change their ways
53It may take a long while for you to be caught and punished for wrong-doing, but you will be caught one day.A person who does not settle in one place will not accumulate wealth or status, or responsibilities or commitments.
54When we are in trouble, we appreciate whatever help we can get to extricate ourselves.An improved economy will benefit all participants and that economic policy, particularly government economic policy, should therefore focus on broad economic efforts.
55Every opportunity, well used, can be a stepping stone to realization of your ultimate goals.Things are what they are, no matter what name you give them
56Charity begins at homeUsed to discuss the difficulty some seem to have in attracting a suitable male partner or spouse.
57Parents always think their children are beautifulTo have two choices that are both equally unpleasant or not convenient. Taking and choosing
58When we are no longer concerned about the safety of our persons, the preservation of our good character of job, or family, then we are to apt to behave stupidlyPromises and plans must be put into action, otherwise they are useless
59You must accept responsibility for your actions, and whatever you sow, you will surely reapFaced with two equally undesirable alternatives
60One good turn deserves anotherFamily relationships and loyalties are the strongest and most important ones
61 You don't know how often you'll need help in the future so be careful not to turn your back on those who help youTo not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens
62Things can deteriorate gradually and imperceptibly; therefore, it is foolhardy to be complacent and take people or things for granted.To try to do too much; to take on or attempt more than one is capable of doing
63You cannot hide injustice. It will surface sooner than later.From a bad situation to one that is worse
64When a situation is at its weakest point that’s when it will break. A chain is only as strong as the weakest link.Not being completely honest can be as deceitful as lying; intentionally omitting information is equivalent to lying
65To meet with some type of misfortunes is worse than an evil spell.One should be on one's toes and alert of one's surroundings if malicious people are around, to ensure that they cannot wreak havoc in one's life.
66An older person is more likely to give better advice based on his/her experienceA quiet or placid manner may conceal a passionate nature.
67bullies can distinguish between those they can intimidate and those who are better leSometimes, when we want to create or achieve something, we must sacrifice or destroy another thing to do it.
68People do not usually point out their own faults.people want things more if (or, in some way, because) they can't have them
69Be prepared for all eventualities.the most noticeable problems are the ones most likely to get attention
70 As you enjoy yourself, you should be mindful of danger.Luck is usually on the side of those who take chances and risks
71Sometimes, actions that appear to be trivial, are actually indications of some deep-rooted resentment, or of trouble or romance brewingTo have hope that a positive occurrence will happen, while simultaneously readying for the negative outcome
72 It is easy to identify the intentions of an individual by his/her actions.Find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favour.
73It does no harm to show good manners to peopleIt's helpful to have the advice or opinion of a second person.
74The more successful you become the more likely you are to be subject to intense scrutiny.It is wise to save money
75Think before you speakExtensive knowledge of or close association with someone or something leads to a loss of respect for them or it.
76You should pay attention to your own business and not try to meddle in another person’s lifeIf you speak kindly and softly, angry people will feel calmer
77While the mouth is smiling, the heart is leaping - In other words, a person may display happiness on the outside but on the inside, they are going through tough times.He or she loses a little strength of character each time he or she refuses to face a challenge of life.
78Do not pretend. Be true to who you are, because your real self will always come out eventuallyIf you don't make use of a favourable opportunity, you may never get the same chance again
79A person with humility will reap good rewards.Compensation for injury caused by a person, in the form of inflicting of an identical injury on that person.
80The same person that brings you gossip will carry it out).If one eats healthful foods, one will remain in good health and will not need to see the doctor often
81When people have a lot of money, they buy things that they don't needIf one is unable to cope with a stressful situation, then one should leave it to someone else who can handle it
82Not everyone needs to when you're going through hard timesThere's no point to being upset over something that has already happened and cannot be changed
83A lot of small amounts, put together, become a large amountit is always easier for us to evaluate past choices than at the time we have to make the choice
84Don't rush into doing something before you learn how to do it. learn the basics before you try to do things that are more complexed.Used to tell someone that if they help you, you will help them
85Do no judge by appearancesIf someone does you a favour, you should take the chance to repay it.
86New management imposes radical changes, but those with prior experience have more knowledge.To cause something unimportant to seem important
87You will one day find out the consequences of your actionsPeople are enticed by free or cheap things irrelevant of whether they want or need them.2
88Even in the most difficult of times, if total devastation has not occurred, one should count his/her blessings. Do not blow simple matters out of proportionYou feel more affection for those you love when partedfrom them.
89An over-abundance of luxuries causes one to become complacent, and to take life's blessings for granted.Hurtful words cannot cause any physical pain and thus will be ignored or disregarded
90Problems are not solved by worrying. The time spent fretting could be more gainfully spent on considering workable alternatives and solutions.To give or offer something valuable to someone who does not understand its value
91People can naturally recognize dangerous situations and avoid themWriting is more effective than military power or violence
92When God places favour on our life, nobody can can stop or remove it. Nobody can stop our blessing, not even our enemiesLaughing a lot is a very effective means of recovering from physical or mental injury. More generally, keeping a positive outlook on life will help combat negative emotions during hard times.
93conquering your own territory before trying to conquer someone else's.Evil thoughts enter our mind easily when we are lazy and idle
94Even if it takes a long time, wrongs will eventually be righted and justice will be served.The consequences of one's actions to oneself are in proportion to one's good or bad intentions towards others
95Don't waste any resource or opportunity.Doing something too quickly causes mistakes that result in time, effort, materials, etc., being wasted.
96Do not leave yourself open to being tricked. Be sure of what you are getting.A child grows up to be similar to its parents, both in behavior and in physical characteristics
97Don't repeat things you hear or gossip. Wait for the facts.When you hear something and misinterpret it, and you pass on wrong informationYour offensive words or actions are likely at some point to rebound on you
98Everyone will face problems or achieve success in his or her own time.A person in desperate need of help will grab hold of some help, even if it is insignificant
99You shouldn't belittle or criticise others when you have the same faultsThe godly can expect to encounter trouble and hardship in life however they should get back up again
100If you regard too much good opinion of any one you will never prosper.When the need for something becomes essential, you are forced to find ways of getting or achieving it.
101Use what you have to 'do the impossible' and get what you wantWhat is appropriate in one case is also appropriate in the other case in question
102Some people try to keep up with the fashions of others even if they have to deprive themselves of the basic necessitiesBe careful what you say as people may be eavesdropping
103Everywhere I go, I encounter obstaclesThe real value of something can be judged only from practical experience or results and not from appearance or theory
104Life appears good but times are hard.People who make threats rarely carry them out
105Not everyone smiling at you may have good intentions towards youUndertake only what you have the money or ability to do and no more.
106Circumstances alter cases.Speak plainly without avoiding unpleasant or embarrassing issues.
107When authority or control is missing, people will exploit the situation.One must take risks in order to achieve a goal; success requires enterprise
108You could easily find yourself in the same situation you criticized in the pastClever people can express intelligent things using very few words
109Don't depend on others to supply your needsLoving someone makes you unable to see their faults.
110When you have a part of something you have to look for the rest to complete task or fulfill your needMisfortunes or difficult situations tend to follow each other in rapid succession or to arrive all at the same time.
111People do not become upset or agitated if they are comfortableMake the most of a favourable situation while it lasts
112You cannot be depending on (benefitting from) something/someone and at the same time you are dissing the thing/personOne dishonest person can guess what another dishonest person might do
113Gossip or hear say are not conclusive of truth. You need substantial proof.Achieve two aims at once.
114Before making a commitment make sure that you can carry it outWine brings to light the hidden secrets of the soul and leaves one vulnerable
115Someone very accomplished or too stooch may not want to do menial tasks. Person not "down to earth".To do things in the wrong order
116Acknowledging openly when someone/something is good. Similar to complimentingBeautiful or expensive clothes may make the wearer seem more impressive than is really the case
117People who are quiet or shy are often very intelligent and interesting.It's better to avoid a dangerous situation than to confrontit.
118Even though evil people seem to be succeeding all the time, good people should be not be discouraged because eventually they will win.A person that has been harmed by something becomes more cautious about it.
119Every imprudent action will eventually come back to get you in trouble.Even a person of low status or importance has rights
120Children absorb behavioural traits from their parentsEven someone with limited abilities or opportunities is dominant over, and considered special by, those who have even fewer abilities and opportunities
121Those without a purpose or something to do will have no problem finding activities to get them in trouble.You must be careful to use fire wisely and under control so that it will not hurt you
122The wearer alone knows where the shoe pinchesBrave people will fail at times but they will never give up until the end goal is attained
123Don't criticize others in their presenceAn employer who pays low wages will have bad staff
124 We do not always realise our limitations.Something good does not need to be advertised.
125With the right support, anyone can rise against the oddsYou need to see something before you can accept that it really exists or occurs
126Everyone does not have the same sense of humour; you might offend someone with your jokesIf one gives someone enough freedom of action, they may destroy themselves by foolish actions
127It may take a long while for you to be caught and punished for wrong-doing, but you will be caught one dayA difficult situation cannot last for ever, it will finish
128When a man's belly is filled, he breaks the potThe young and the old do not always see eye to eye
129Some people are never satisfied with leaving things in their proper place.You use up everything you have today so tomorrow you want anything left
130Do not leave yourself open to being trickedIt is natural for people to make mistakes and it is important to forgive people when they do
131Someone who feels they are superior will do anything to stay on topIf you don't take direct action to make things better you're an obstacle to change
132One's excessive pride often results in a terrible downfallA foolish person spends money carelessly and will soon be penniless.
133Even though one's relative is bad or disliked , one cannot disown that relativeThey are someone who is able to listen attentively to what others have to say without interrupting them or trying to make themselves the center of attention.
134Everything isn't about you. Don't inject yourself into the business of othersOne should be happy at heart, fully contended, and not blindly run after hoarding wealth
135Better to use the proven route than take what appears to be an easier pathIt's easier to stop something happening in the first place than to repair the damage after it has happened.
136Said to suggest that someone should consider whether unpleasant or critical remarks which have been made about them are true or fair.Facing and struggling in life is not a danger or risk but avoiding or running away from struggle is risky and dangerous
137Some jobs are for one person, others need twoBeginning a project well makes it easier to do the rest
138Everything has its usefulnessThe most valuable things don't cost any money
139Used to refer to a woman who is involved in a relationship with a man based solely on the perceive financial benefits of the manPeople without good sense or judgement will have no hesitation in tackling a situation that even the wisestwould avoid.
140One who wants everything may lose it allA person who can do many different types of work but who is not necessarily very competent at any of them.
141Big trouble sometimes arises from the simplest of circumstancesPeople tend to take advantage of persons who are helpfull and of good nature.
142Co-operation is necessary for projects involving more than one personsGood health is more important than money
143A good job/project/activity could be spoilt if there are too many individuals attempting to carry out the same task. Ideally, work should be delegated,It's better to avoid a dangerous situation than to confrontit.
144When it rains it rains on all.It is difficult to advise people on subjects that they are experts on
145Persons who don't speak up for themselves often times find themselves the victims of punishmentPeople are different, and that some individuals or groups have different needs and wants from others
146It is dangerous to meddle in the affairs of othersGreat or important people do not concern themselves with trifling matters or insignificant people.
147A promise delights the heart of a foolA poor or hungry person cannot function properly
148The dangers of being greedyEvery person or entity in a group should be self-sufficient
149Those with a history of bad behaviour are usually the first ones accusedIf you don't really love someone, you find a lot of faults in him or her
150Not everyone who says they're your friend is really is a friendNot everything is as it appears to be
151For each lost resource, practical persons recognise when its substitute invariably presents itself.Enjoy the flattery you receive, but don't believe it because people often flatter to meet their own selfish interests
152Whatever task one is doing always make sure it is completeGood bargains can be tempting and entice people into buying more than required
153A caution against undertaking to do something you don’t fully understand. Swimmers can drown because they areoverconfident in their abilities
154Don't put an unsuitable person in an important position.The pain of grief is lessened when one shares one's feelings with others.
155if you get involved with the Devil you should have the means of keeping your distanceSomeone or something unwelcome will always reappearor return.
156 Misfortune will befall those (especially children) who don’t listen to their parents advice.If you want to preserve peace you need to demonstrate strength, not weakness
157Use discretion in all your interactions to ensure you're not easily influenced and others don't take advantage of you.When someone is trying to imitate what one does, owns, or thinks, it's a compliment to that person
158Impatience can ruin the outcome of what you wantAlthough they have been defeated in a small conflict they have won a larger, more important one of which it was a part
159One man's loss is another man's gainGetting impossible situations of dealing with people to open up when we are kind in our words
160A desperate person will grasp at anything to save him/herIf legal redress or equitable relief to an injured party is available, but is not forthcoming in a timely fashion, it is effectively the same as having no remedy at all
161Be clear of how you are going to carry a thing before you initiate a processYou should not lend money to your friends; if you do, either you will have to bother your friend to repay the loan, which will make your friend resent you, or your friend will not repay the loan, which will make you resent your friend.
162You should choose your husband or wife with care, but be prepared to overlook his or her faults after the wedding dayWhatever bad thing has happened, it won't happen again
163Cow kin refers to the skin of the cow, which is a regular meal in Jamaican cuisine (cow's skin a broad beans) Cow skin is tough and takes a long time to boil; therefore, it takes a lot of water to cook until tender. The intent of this saying is to hammer home the fact, whereas it's okay to beg water- there is no way that you can beg enough water from your neighbour to boil your tough cow skinLove fades away when people are distant and don't keep close physical contact
164You cannot expect riches from someone who is in the financial position as youUsed to describe a person whose behaviour is so very servile and obsequious that people have no respect for him and treat him with contempt
165Training children when they are young is better than when they become olderSaid to warn someone to be careful how much money they spend, because there is only a limited amount
166One good turn deserves anotherYou are more likely to have success if you coax or convince someone to do something rather than pressuring or coercing them.
167More than one person may be involved in a crime, but the one who talks too much gets caughtWhat is useless to one person is valuable to another
168Those with an injury know what to avoid to prevent pain and making the injury worse.Anyone whose talents and accomplishments are highly regarded by everyone except those at home.
169When the cow is dead, the mule laughs (because he gets the whole)To act according to the way one tells other people to act
170If you overuse a thing you will break or lose it.Sometimes the best things come from the worst situations
171If you are not careful with what you have, you will lose.Families that pray together build eternal relationships on a foundation of strength, comfort, inspiration, and love
172If wait too long you can't accomplish your desire. Don't wait long Missed opportunitiesBe careful when people offer you something for nothing, as they may be trying to trap or cheat you
173Bigger assignments takes greater effort.People who talk a lot about their knowledge, talent or experience are often not as knowledgeable, talented or experienced as they claim to be
174There will be persons who will support you in good times and bad timesEvery situation has two sides
175Not everyone that talks the talk can walk the walk. What they do doesn’t agree with what they say. Actions speak louder than wordsTelling the truth is better than lying even when it is hard to do
176Your worst experience is usually just before the change for the betterYou can't expect people to behave in a way that is not in their character
177Don't be misled by a foolUsed to convey that a hint or suggestion can be or has been understood without the need of further elaborationor explanation.
178When you're not use something you tend to overdo it (Frighten Friday)Constant work without rest or relaxation is harmful to one's personal life and well-being.
179It is impossible to know every single detail about any matterA person's first responsibility is for the needs of their own family and friends
180There is someone special out there for everyoneDon't imitate my behavior but obey my instructions
181Every problem has a solutionEating a lot of food when you have a cold, but not eating much when you have a fever, will help to ease (or even treat) your symptoms
182every person or entity in a group should be self-sufficientUsed, often humorously, to assert that whoever finds something by chance is entitled to keep it
183Persons who boastThe various circumstances we go through in life are not by incident, but orchestrated or allowed by God with great purpose and intentionality
184Purpose in life , values, charaters. Some have greatness Insignficance vs greatnessYou should praise someone who deserves it, although you might dislike some things about them
185Having no choice in a desperate situationThe person who raises a child determines the character of that child and so influences the type of society that the next generation will create
186Too often we are blind to our own shortcomings but quick to point out those of others.It is more worthwhile to do some good, however small, in response, than to complain about the situation
187Family members should stick togetherMany people will seek credit for success, but few will accept responsibility for failure
188Mind your. own business. If you have faults. of your own, you shouldn't criticize othersMany people will seek credit for success, but few will accept responsibility for failure
189If an opportunity presents itself, someone will take advantage of it.Many women have won a man's love by cooking delicious meals for him. They fed his stomach and found love in his heart
190When individuals find themselves in trouble, accepting that that the situation can't get any worseNew and exciting experiences make life more interesting
191People will take advantage of a good natured person.The fact that someone has done something unjust or dishonest is no justification for acting in a similar way.
192 The poor man and the rich man go different ways.Everybody experiences some successes and some failures
193Learn to listen keenly and get all facts before speaking on a matterYou cannot make people change their ways.
194Don't involve yourself in people's affairs unless you have been invited toIt is possible to learn new things, at any age; follow your desires and dreams
195what might seem fine and lovely now, might not be laterIt is important to eat good food in order to be healthy and fit
196Await the proper opportunityAn exhortation to be patient when something cannot be remedied
197Don't beat down someone when they are at their worst or encountering difficulties in their lifeSomething is better or more effective as a team, combination, etc., than would be expected when looking at the different parts that form it
198 Every move I make, I encounter a problem.One should not presume to know the outcome of an event which is still in progress.
199Use your skills and abilities to overcome difficult situations and conditions instead of looking for the easy wayBy going through difficult experiences, people build up their strength for the next, possibly more painful event that may occur
200Keep your own counsel. Not everything you know needs to be told, even to those that are closest to youIt is more effective to be polite and flattering than to be hostile or demanding

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