Wen puss no deh, rat tek e place.
“When the cat's not there, the rat takes its place.”
When there's no authority present to keep order, others will take advantage and misbehave.
— 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.
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Bad things never have an owner.
When something goes wrong, everyone is quick to deny responsibility.
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Blood is thicker than urine.
A wry, earthier twist on "blood is thicker than water" — family ties still run deep, even said crudely.
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If you can't catch Harry, catch his shirt.
When you can't get everything you wanted, take whatever part of it you can.
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Monkey see, monkey do.
People often copy what they observe others doing, for better or worse.
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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.
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