“No matter how full the river is, it still wants to grow.”

Ambition and desire for more have no natural limit, even for those who already have plenty.

“Do not cut off the monkey's tail before it is dead.”

Do not act on an outcome before it is certain; finish the task fully before celebrating or moving on.

“Pride goes only as far as one can spit.”

Arrogance has real limits; boasting cannot carry a person further than their true ability.

“The iron never takes advice from the hammer.”

Those who are constantly struck down by hardship rarely trust the one causing it, however well-meant the lesson.

“Little by little, the bananas grow.”

Patience and steady effort over time bring results that cannot be rushed.

“A cat that goes to a monastery still remains a cat.”

A change of surroundings does not change a person's true nature.