Toti té ké volé si li té gen plim.

“The turtle would fly if it had feathers.”

People often claim they would achieve great things if only they had what they lack, an excuse for ambition that will never really be tested.

Tanbou lwen gen bèl son.

“A distant drum sounds beautiful.”

Things far away or belonging to others often seem more appealing than what a person already has.

Menm si chyen vandé so zouti, li pa bliyé so métyé.

“Even if the dog sells its tools, it does not forget its trade.”

A skill or piece of knowledge, once truly learned, stays with a person no matter what their circumstances become.

Woun lanmen ka lavé lòt.

“One hand washes the other.”

People who help each other accomplish far more together than either could alone.

Anlè kouri agouti, ou ké wè fòs chyen.

“It is when the agouti runs that you see the strength of the dog.”

True ability and character are revealed under pressure and testing, not in calm, easy moments.

Bèf douvan bwè bon dilo.

“The ox in front drinks the good water.”

Whoever arrives first gets the best of what is available.