A pint pot can hold a gill, but a gill can't hold a pint pot

“A pint pot can hold a gill, but a gill cannot hold a pint pot.”

A bigger capacity can absorb a smaller amount, but a small capacity cannot hold something larger than itself — not every situation works both ways.

A eyeful en' a bellyful

“Seeing a full eyeful is not the same as having a full belly.”

Merely looking at or wanting something is not the same as actually possessing or enjoying it.

A carpenter wife nevah live in a good house

“A carpenter's wife never lives in a well-built house.”

Skilled people often use their talents to serve others rather than to improve their own lives.

Bucket gine up and down in well evah day, de bottom boun' tuh drop out

“A bucket that goes up and down the well every day is bound to have its bottom drop out eventually.”

Constant strain or repeated risk will eventually cause a breakdown.

Better fish in de sea dan wha' ketch

“There are better fish in the sea than the one you have caught.”

Better opportunities exist beyond your current circumstances; do not settle for less.

Coward dog keep whole bone

“The coward dog keeps his bone whole.”

Avoiding unnecessary confrontation can spare you loss and trouble.