Bagai aur dengan tebing.

“Like the bamboo and its riverbank.”

Two parties support and depend on each other, thriving only through mutual cooperation.

Bagai katak di bawah tempurung.

“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.

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.

Hendak seribu daya, tak hendak seribu dalih.

“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.

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.

Melentur buluh biarlah dari rebungnya.

“Bend the bamboo while it is still a shoot.”

Character and habits are best shaped while a person is still young.