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“Better a live mouse than a dead tiger.”

A humble but living advantage is worth more than a grand but lost opportunity.

— Traditional Kyrgyz Wisdom, Kyrgyzstan

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition

More Proverbs from Kyrgyzstan

Менин колума да карга чычаар.

“Maybe a crow will poop on my hand too.”

Hope that the good fortune enjoyed by others will also come your way; in Kyrgyz folk belief a bird's droppings are a sign of luck.

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ат баспайм деген жерин миң басат.

“A horse that says, "I won't walk," will walk that route a thousand times.”

Never say never — circumstances often force us down paths we once refused.

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Сактыкта көрдүк жок.

“With care and precaution, there is nothing left to beg for.”

Careful, cautious people rarely need to ask others for help, because they do not lose what they have through carelessness.

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Жумуш карышкыр эмес.

“Work is not a wolf — it will not run away.”

Work is not something to fear or avoid; it will still be there when you are ready, so there is no need to dread it.

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Кыйынчылыксыз жашоону жашап кереги жок.

“Without difficulties, there is no reason to live.”

Challenges and hardship give life its purpose and meaning.

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Мекениңдин кадыры башка жакта билинет.

“The value of your homeland is known once you are in another place.”

People come to appreciate their homeland most fully only after leaving it.

Source: Traditional Kyrgyz proverb, public-domain oral tradition