Do you know what the proverb” Massa has, massa graas” means? Learn its meaning in our Jamaican Proverbs on “Power.”

Massa haas, massa graas.
TRANSLATION: The master’s horse, the master’s grass.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: 1. Having absolute power and control over a person or situation. 2. A feeling of entitlement.

Di bass sen monkey, monkey sen im tail.
TRANSLATION: The boss sends monkey, monkey sends his tail.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: Expecting someone without the experience or skills to perform a task successfully.

Crab eena barrel climb pon wan aneda.
TRANSLATION: Crabs in a barrel climb on each other.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: People will do anything to obtain leverage and gain an advantage to get what they want.

Mawga cow ah bull mumma.
TRANSLATION: Meager cow is a bull’s mother.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: This refers to a seemingly ordinary person or one with low status that has powerful and influential connections.

Two bull cyaan rule eena wan pen.
TRANSLATION: Two buIls cannot rule in the same pen.
MEANINGS AND EXPLANATIONS: There can only be one boss or person in the top leadership position.