Do you know what the proverb “Wan finga cyaan ketch lice” means? Learn its meaning in our Jamaican Proverbs on “Cooperation.”

Wan finga cyaan ketch lice.
TRANSLATION: One finger cannot catch lice.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Teamwork and cooperation is needed to achieve goals for the common good.

Wan han wash di oddah.
TRANSLATION: One hand washes the other.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: You help me and I’ll help you.

Bowl guh, packy cum
TRANSLATION: Bowl goes, calabash comes.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: To return a favor or good deed by doing the same.

A nuh ebryting cum fram abuv a blessin
TRANSLATION: Not everything that comes from above is a blessing.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: What may appear to be a blessing may be an attempt to mislead or deceive and doesn’t come from a good source.

Wen po-ah git up, im tun chobble tuh di werl
TRANSLATION: When the poor man gets up, he becomes trouble to the world.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Be careful how you treat people because someday they may be in a position to retaliate if they think you’re responsible for holding them back.