Air tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya.
“Do not assume calm water holds no crocodile.”
A quiet, gentle manner can conceal danger, depth, or hidden intentions.
— Traditional Brunei Wisdom, Brunei
Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Brunei
Like the bamboo and its riverbank.
Two parties support and depend on each other, thriving only through mutual cooperation.
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.
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.
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.
Climb the hill together, descend the valley together.
True companions share both the hardships and the ease of life side by side.
Bend the bamboo while it is still a shoot.
Character and habits are best shaped while a person is still young.