Traditional proverbs of Bermuda in en and English — each with its meaning and source.
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.”
It is better to hold onto something certain than to risk losing it while chasing something uncertain but seemingly greater.
Source: Traditional English proverb, part of Bermuda's inherited English oral tradition since its 1609 settlement, public-domain
“Actions speak louder than words.”
What a person actually does reveals more about their character than what they merely say.
“All that glitters is not gold.”
Something that looks valuable or impressive on the surface may not truly be so underneath.
“The early bird catches the worm.”
Those who act promptly and prepare ahead of others gain the greatest advantage.
“A stitch in time saves nine.”
Fixing a small problem right away prevents it from growing into a much bigger one later.
“Don't count your chickens before they are hatched.”
Do not assume something will succeed before it is actually certain.
“Every cloud has a silver lining.”
Even the most difficult situations usually contain some hidden benefit or hope.
“Look before you leap.”
Think carefully about the consequences of an action before taking it.
“Practice makes perfect.”
Repeated effort and rehearsal are what ultimately produce skill and mastery.
“Honesty is the best policy.”
Telling the truth is always wiser and more rewarding in the end than deception.
“Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Strong determination can overcome even the most difficult obstacles.
“The pen is mightier than the sword.”
Ideas and words expressed through writing can have greater lasting influence than force or violence.
“Necessity is the mother of invention.”
Difficult or urgent circumstances often inspire people to find creative solutions.
“Two wrongs don't make a right.”
Responding to wrongdoing with more wrongdoing never truly resolves the injustice.
“You can't judge a book by its cover.”
A person or thing should not be judged only by outward appearance.
“When it rains, it pours.”
Difficulties often seem to arrive all at once rather than one at a time.
Quo Fata Ferunt
“Whither the Fates Carry Us.”
Bermuda's official national motto, expressing that the island's fate and future are guided by forces beyond human control — a fitting emblem for a colony founded by an accidental 1609 shipwreck.
Source: Bermuda Coat of Arms and national motto, adopted by Royal Warrant 1910, Government of Bermuda official symbols
“I have been a slave myself — I know what slaves feel — I can tell by myself what other slaves feel, and by what they have told me.”
Prince asserts that her own lived experience of slavery gives her testimony a credibility no outside observer could claim.
Source: Mary Prince, The History of Mary Prince, a West Indian Slave, Related by Herself (London, 1831)
“All slaves want to be free — to be free is very sweet.”
A direct rebuttal to pro-slavery claims that enslaved people were content in bondage, insisting that the desire for freedom is universal.
“The man that says slaves be quite happy in slavery — that man is either ignorant or a lying person.”
Prince directly challenges pro-slavery propaganda that claimed enslaved people were content, calling such claims dishonest or uninformed.
“A penny saved is a penny earned.”
Careful saving is just as valuable as careful earning; money not spent is money gained.
“Don't put all your eggs in one basket.”
Spread risk across multiple efforts or investments rather than depending entirely on a single one.
“The grass is always greener on the other side.”
Other people's circumstances often look more appealing than one's own, even when they are not actually better.
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”
Adapt to the customs and behavior of wherever you happen to be.
“Rome wasn't built in a day.”
Significant achievements take time and cannot be rushed.
“The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.”
Children often resemble their parents in character, habits, or ability.
“Curiosity killed the cat.”
Being too inquisitive about things that do not concern you can lead to trouble.
“Better safe than sorry.”
It is wiser to take precautions than to risk regret later.
“You can't have your cake and eat it too.”
You cannot enjoy two incompatible benefits at the same time.
“Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Being separated from someone often increases affection for them.
“Beggars can't be choosers.”
Those in need must accept what is offered rather than demand something better.
“Birds of a feather flock together.”
People with similar interests or character tend to associate with one another.
“Don't bite the hand that feeds you.”
Do not harm or offend someone who supports or provides for you.
“Don't cry over spilled milk.”
There is no use being upset over a mistake or loss that cannot be undone.
“Every dog has its day.”
Everyone eventually gets a moment of success or recognition.
“Great minds think alike.”
Intelligent or capable people often arrive at the same ideas independently.
“If it ain't broke, don't fix it.”
There is no need to change something that is already working well.
“It takes two to tango.”
Certain conflicts or arrangements require the involvement of more than one person to happen.
“Laughter is the best medicine.”
Humor and joy can ease hardship and improve wellbeing.
“Money doesn't grow on trees.”
Money is earned through effort and should not be spent carelessly.
“Out of sight, out of mind.”
People or things that are no longer visible are easily forgotten.
“Two heads are better than one.”
Two people working together can solve problems more effectively than one alone.
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.”
You can give someone the opportunity to do something, but you cannot force them to act on it.
“Blood is thicker than water.”
Family bonds and loyalty are typically stronger than other relationships.
“Knowledge is power.”
Understanding and information give a person genuine strength and advantage.
“Let sleeping dogs lie.”
Avoid stirring up old conflicts or problems that have already settled down.
“No man is an island.”
No person is entirely self-sufficient; everyone depends on others and community.
“Old habits die hard.”
Long-established behaviors are difficult to change.
“Silence is golden.”
Sometimes saying nothing is wiser or more valuable than speaking.
“Slow and steady wins the race.”
Consistent, careful effort ultimately succeeds over haste or short bursts of speed.
Quick Links
Support Center
Help & contact options
Dashboard
Manage your account
4848 Shops
Browse fish, pajama & rabbit shops
System Status
Check service health
Download App
Get the Host App