Do you know what the proverb “Cotton tree fall dung ram goat jump ovah it” means? Learn its meaning in our Jamaican Proverbs on “Opportunity.”

Cotton tree fall dung ram goat jump ovah it.
TRANSLATION: Cotton tree falls down, ram goal jumps over it.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: If an opportunity presents itself, someone will take advantage of it.

Wha tan too lang serve neda man.
TRANSLATION: What stays too long serves another man.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: If you don’t take advantage of an opportunity, someone else will.

Hag wash ennah di fus waata ‘im ketch.
TRANSLATION: Hog washes in the first water he sees.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Always try to take advantage of every possible opportunity.

Tek whey yuh git tell yuh git whey yuh want.
TRANSLATION: Take what you can get until you can get what you want.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Each opportunity is a stepping stone toward an ultimate goal.

Ef yuh cyaan git turkey, yuh haffi satisfy wid Jancro
TRANSLATION: If you are unable to get turkey, then you must be satisfied with John Crow.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: 1. Be satisfied with what you have until the opportunity for something better is available.

Befoe gud food pwile, mek belly bus
TRANSLATION: Before allowing good food to spoil, allow the belly to burst.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: 1. Don’t waste any resource or opportunity.