Bagai pinang dibelah dua.
“Like an areca nut split in two.”
Describes two people or things that closely resemble each other, such as twins or a well-matched couple.
— Traditional Brunei Wisdom, Brunei
Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition
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Like the bamboo and its riverbank.
Two parties support and depend on each other, thriving only through mutual cooperation.
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Like a frog under a coconut shell.
Describes someone with a narrow view of the world who mistakes their small experience for the whole of it.
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Do not assume calm water holds no crocodile.
A quiet, gentle manner can conceal danger, depth, or hidden intentions.
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Wanting finds a thousand ways; unwilling finds a thousand excuses.
A determined person finds many paths forward, while a reluctant one finds many reasons to avoid trying.
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Climb the hill together, descend the valley together.
True companions share both the hardships and the ease of life side by side.
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Bend the bamboo while it is still a shoot.
Character and habits are best shaped while a person is still young.
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