Luxembourg Proverbs (22)

Traditional proverbs of Luxembourg in Khmer and English — each with its meaning and source.

All Wee féiert op Roum.

“All roads lead to Rome.”

Many different paths or methods can lead to the same result.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Am Noper sengem Gaart as et gutt Krauden goen.

“It is easy to weed in the neighbor's garden.”

It is easy to judge or manage someone else's affairs from the outside.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

An en saueren Apel bäissen.

“To bite into a sour apple.”

Sometimes one must accept an unpleasant necessity without complaint.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Et as éischter gesot wéi gedoen.

“Easier said than done.”

Talking about a task is far simpler than actually carrying it out.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Keen ass e Prophéit a sengem eegene Land.

“No one is a prophet in his own land.”

A person's talent or wisdom is often unrecognized by those closest to home.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

D'Nout kennt keen Gesetz.

“Necessity knows no law.”

In true hardship, people will act by whatever means the situation demands.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

D'Geleeënheet mécht den Déif.

“Opportunity makes the thief.”

A careless opening or temptation can turn an otherwise honest person toward wrongdoing.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Wien alles wëllt, kritt näischt.

“He who wants everything gets nothing.”

Greed that reaches for too much often ends up with nothing at all.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Den Apel fält net wäit vum Bam.

“The apple does not fall far from the tree.”

Children tend to resemble their parents in character and habits.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Wien sicht, dee fënnt.

“He who seeks, finds.”

Persistent effort eventually uncovers what one is looking for.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

E gutt Gewëssen as dat bescht Këssen.

“A good conscience is the best pillow.”

A clear conscience brings peace of mind and untroubled sleep.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Haut mir, muer dir.

“Today me, tomorrow you.”

Misfortune or fortune passes from one person to another — what happens to me today may happen to you next.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Muergestonn huet Gold am Mond.

“The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”

Time spent early in the day is especially valuable and productive.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

No der Doud weess jidfereen e Rot.

“After death, everyone has advice.”

It is easy to know the right answer once it is too late for it to help.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Et as keen Wuerm sou kleng, tratt een drop, da réngelt de Schwanz.

“Tread on a worm and it will turn.”

Even the mildest person will resist or fight back if pushed too far.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ee kann den Iesel wuel op d'Drénk féieren, ee kann en awer net forcéieren ze drénken.

“You can lead a donkey to water, but you cannot force it to drink.”

You can offer someone the opportunity to do something, but you cannot make them want it.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ee weess wuel wat en huet, awer net wat en kritt.

“One knows well what one has, but not what one will get.”

It is safer to value what is certain in hand than to gamble it away for an uncertain gain.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Wa Wënsch Päerd wieren, da rëtt de Bettler.

“If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.”

Simply wishing for something does not make it happen; wishing alone changes nothing.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Wann den Apel zäideg ass, da fält en vum Bam.

“When the apple is ripe, it falls from the tree.”

Things happen naturally in their own time; good outcomes cannot be rushed.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Wa d'Nout am gréissten ass, ass d'Hëllef am nootsten.

“When need is greatest, help is nearest.”

Aid tends to arrive precisely when a situation feels most desperate.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Wa ee vum Wollef schwätzt, ass en net wäit ewech.

“Talk of the wolf, and he is not far away.”

The person being discussed often appears right when their name is mentioned.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition

Ze vill Käch verdierwen d'Zopp.

“Too many cooks spoil the broth.”

Too many people trying to direct the same task tends to ruin the result.

Traditional Luxembourg Wisdom

Source: Traditional Luxembourg proverb, public-domain oral tradition