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Kui kassid kodus ei ole, siis hiired tantsivad.

“When the cats are not home, the mice dance.”

Without oversight from those in authority, others neglect their duties.

— Traditional Estonia Wisdom, Estonia

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

More Proverbs from Estonia

Valel on lühikesed jalad.

“A lie has short legs.”

Dishonesty cannot travel far before it is caught out.

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Kõik ei ole kuld, mis hiilgab.

“Not everything that glitters is gold.”

Appearances can be deceiving; something impressive is not always genuinely valuable.

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ela ise, lase teisi ka elada.

“Live yourself, and let others live too.”

Tend to your own life and extend the same freedom and tolerance to others.

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Julge hundi rind on rasvane.

“The bold wolf has a fat chest.”

Those who dare to take risks are more likely to reap the rewards.

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Kes ei tööta, see ei söö.

“He who does not work does not eat.”

Sustenance and reward come only to those who put in honest effort.

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Rääkimine hõbe, vaikimine kuld.

“Talking is silver, silence is gold.”

Knowing when to hold your tongue is worth more than speaking freely.

Source: Traditional Estonian proverb, public-domain oral tradition