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Anguilla — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Anguilla, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“Every day the bucket goes to the well, but one day the bottom will drop out.”

Repeated risky or dishonest behavior will eventually catch up with you.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“One one cocoa full basket.”

Small, steady contributions add up to something substantial over time.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“The higher the monkey climbs, the more he shows his tail.”

The more someone shows off or rises above their station, the more their flaws are exposed.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“What is sweet in the mouth can be sour in the belly.”

A pleasure enjoyed carelessly now can bring pain or regret later.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“The sea has no back door.”

At sea, and in life's real dangers, there is no hidden escape route — you must face what is ahead directly.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“Cockroach has no business in a fowl fight.”

Stay out of conflicts where you are the weaker party and likely to be hurt.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“Monkey see, monkey do.”

People copy the behavior they observe around them, whether good or bad.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“Time is longer than rope.”

However long it takes, time eventually reveals the truth and brings justice.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“An empty bag cannot stand up.”

A person without food, rest, or resources cannot keep going or hold their ground.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“If you can't hear, you will feel.”

Someone who ignores good advice will eventually learn the lesson the hard way.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“Two dogs can't agree over one bone.”

Conflict is almost guaranteed when two parties compete for the same limited prize.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“Play with puppy, puppy will lick your mouth.”

Being too familiar or careless with someone beneath your guard invites disrespect.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“When rain falls, it falls on the whole town.”

Hardship, like fortune, tends to touch everyone in a community, not just one person.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“Cut your coat according to your cloth.”

Live within your means and do not spend or promise beyond what you actually have.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

“A hungry man is an angry man.”

Unmet basic needs such as hunger easily turn into frustration and short temper.

Traditional Anguilla & West Indian Wisdom

Source: Traditional West Indian proverb, shared Anglophone Caribbean oral heritage (Leeward Islands region including Anguilla), public-domain oral tradition

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