No call aligata big mout til yu krass di riva.
“Don't call the alligator a big mouth until you have crossed the river.”
Stay respectful toward those who hold power over you, at least until you no longer need their goodwill.
— Traditional Belize Wisdom, Belize
Source: Traditional Belize proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Belize
Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies. Ask me again, and I'll spit in your eyes.
A blunt refusal to be interrogated — some things are better left unasked.
Bad things never have an owner.
When something goes wrong, everyone is quick to deny responsibility.
Blood is thicker than urine.
A wry, earthier twist on "blood is thicker than water" — family ties still run deep, even said crudely.
If you can't catch Harry, catch his shirt.
When you can't get everything you wanted, take whatever part of it you can.
Monkey see, monkey do.
People often copy what they observe others doing, for better or worse.
A small axe fells a big tree.
Size or strength is not always the deciding factor — persistence and the right tool can overcome a much bigger obstacle.