La campana no va a misa, pero avisa.

“The bell does not go to mass, but it gives the warning.”

Even a messenger who cannot act directly can still play a vital role by sounding the alarm.

Llevar agua a la mar, eso seria desvariar.

“Carrying water to the sea, now that would be madness.”

Doing something completely redundant, like offering someone what they already have in abundance, is pointless folly.

Lo que el padre logra, el hijo lo malogra.

“What the father earns, the son squanders.”

Wealth or achievement built by one generation through hard work is often carelessly wasted by the next.

La Justicia y la cuaresma, para los pobres son hechas.

“Justice and Lent are made for the poor.”

A wry observation that the burdens of law and hardship tend to fall hardest on those with the least power.

No tomeis hincha al perro que tiene dueno.

“Do not pick a fight with a dog that has an owner.”

Be careful provoking someone who has protection or powerful backing behind them.

Ole salero, que mas vale la gracia que el dinero.

“Well done, charm — wit is worth more than money.”

Personal charisma and grace are valued above material wealth.