Do you know what the proverb “Anywey it mawga it bruck” means? Learn its meaning in our Jamaican Proverbs on “Experience.”
Anywey it mawga it bruck.
TRANSLATION: Anywhere its thin, it will break.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: The weakest link in any situation will break first.
Ef Alligator Seh fish mout tink, believe ‘im.
TRANSLATION: If an Alligator says that fish’s mouth is stink, believe him.
MEANING: Listen to those with more wisdom and experience.
Lightning nuh strike di same place twice.
TRANSLATION: Lightning does not strike the same place twice.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: The likelihood of the same situation occurring twice is slim.
Rain a fall but dutty tough.
TRANSLATION: It is raining but the earth is still hard.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: When you don’t have enough money to fulfill your financial obligations.
Rat ketch eena trap im part wid im tail.
TRANSLATION: Rat gets caught in a trap will part with its tail.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Under adverse conditions, people will break or discover how to overcome.
Trouble deh a bush Anancy carri cum a yaawd.
TRANSLATION: Trouble in the bushes Anancy (the folk hero of West African origin) brings it home.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: If you know something or someone will be a problem, don’t bring them into your home or sphere of influence.
Spread yuh bed haad, lie dung pan eh haad.
TRANSLATION: Spread your bed hard lie on it hard.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: If you make a bad decision or action, you must accept the responsibilities and consequences.
Puss gawn rat tek ouse
TRANSLATION: When the cat is gone, the rat takes up possession in the house.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: People will exploit a situation if given the opportunity.
Rak stone a river battam neva feel sun hat.
TRANSLATION: Rock stones at the boUom of the river do not feel the heat of the sun.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: People with an easy life don’t understand the struggles of those who don’t.
A nuh ebry kin teet a laugh.
TRANSLATION: Not every laugh is a genuine laugh.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Don’t assume everyone is sincere.
Puss an dawg nuh ave di same luck.
TRANSLATION: Cats and dogs do not have the same luck.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Live isn’t fair and favoritism can play a role in many situations.
Pig ax im mumma, “wah mek yuh mouth lang so”? Mumma seh, “Nuh mine mi pickney, yuh a grow yuh wi know.”
TRANSLATION: The Pig ask his mother, “Why is your mouth so long?” The mother says, “Never mind, you are growing you will know.”
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Wisdom comes with experience.
