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Ch' n'est pas les sians qui labourent pus pres des fossaïs qui saönt les pus riches.

“It is not those who plough nearest the hedge who are the richest — economy can be carried too far.”

Squeezing every last inch out of your land through excessive thrift or caution does not make you the wealthiest; economy carried too far defeats itself.

— Traditional Guernsey Wisdom, Guernsey

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

More about Traditional Guernsey Wisdom →·More Proverbs from Guernsey →

More Proverbs from Guernsey

P'tit patchet long ch'min coute.

“A small packet becomes a heavy burden on a long journey.”

Even a minor load feels heavier the further and longer you must carry it.

Traditional Guernsey Wisdom

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Gras coum' aen lopin d'si.

“As fat as a lump of suet.”

A vivid rural simile describing someone who is very well-fed or stout.

Traditional Guernsey Wisdom

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Daeux gros os n'peuve bouidre dans lé mesme pot.

“Two big bones cannot boil in the same pot.”

Two strong-willed rivals cannot easily share the same small space.

Traditional Guernsey Wisdom

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Il en reste assaïz pour tous les Tostevins.

“There is enough left for all the Tostevins.”

Said when plenty of food remains at the table; Tostevin, a common Guernsey surname, stands in for "everyone".

Traditional Guernsey Wisdom

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Quand i' plleut daove vent d'ava, I'nourrit haomme et son cheval; Quand i' plleut daove vent d'amaont, Ch'est merveille si tout nö faont.

“When it rains with a west wind, it feeds a man and his horse; when it rains with an east wind, it is a wonder if anything comes to good.”

A westerly rain nourishes both man and livestock, while rain from the east threatens ruin to crops and fortune alike.

Traditional Guernsey Wisdom

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Necessitaïe fait la vieille trottaïr.

“Necessity will make an old woman trot.”

Hardship or urgent need can drive even the frail and reluctant to move quickly and act.

Traditional Guernsey Wisdom

Source: Traditional Guernsey proverb, public-domain oral tradition

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