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Bagai anai-anai makan kayu.

“Like termites eating away at the wood.”

Describes a hidden threat that quietly destroys from within until the damage is suddenly revealed.

— Traditional Brunei Wisdom, Brunei

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition

More Proverbs from Brunei

Bagai aur dengan tebing.

“Like the bamboo and its riverbank.”

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

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition

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.

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition

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.

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition

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.

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition

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.

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ke bukit sama didaki, ke lurah sama dituruni.

“Climb the hill together, descend the valley together.”

True companions share both the hardships and the ease of life side by side.

Source: Traditional Brunei Malay proverb, public-domain oral tradition