Mongolia Proverbs (50)

“If the cairn were not built, the magpie wouldn't have perched.”

Every outcome depends on the effort and preparation that came before it.

“A cat likes to eat fresh fish, but it will not go into the water.”

People often want the reward without being willing to do the work required to earn it.

“A donkey that carries me is worth more than a horse that kicks me.”

A humble, reliable helper is worth more than someone impressive but untrustworthy.

“A man fails seven times and rises eight times.”

True resilience means getting up one more time than you fall.

“A tiger wearing a bell will starve.”

Announcing your intentions too loudly warns your prey, or your rivals, away.

“Do not start if afraid; once begun, do not be afraid.”

Weigh a decision carefully before committing, then pursue it without hesitation.

“Don't undo your bootlaces until you have seen the river.”

Do not relax or celebrate before an obstacle has actually been overcome.

“Each country's customs are different, just as each meadow's grass is different.”

Every land and people has its own ways, and all deserve respect.

“Even foul water will put out a fire.”

An imperfect solution is still useful when the need is urgent.

“Greed keeps men forever poor, even the abundance of this world will not make them rich.”

Contentment, not accumulation, is the true measure of wealth.

“He who drinks, dies; he who does not drink, dies as well.”

Every choice carries risk, so fear of consequence should not stop you from living.

“He who wants to build high must dig deep.”

Great achievements require a strong, well-prepared foundation.

“If mind is clean, fate is good.”

A person of pure and honest intention tends to meet good fortune.

“If you are going to steal bells, plug your ears.”

If you choose to take a risk, prepare fully for its consequences.

“If you are sick, think about your life; if you are better, think about your gold.”

Health matters most in hardship, but once recovered people return to worldly concerns.

“If you endeavour, the fate will favour you.”

Effort and initiative invite good fortune.

“In a good word there are three winters' warmth; in one malicious word there is pain for six frosty months.”

Kind words comfort for a long time, and cruel words wound for even longer.

“It is easier to catch an escaped horse than to take back an escaped word.”

Words, once spoken, cannot be undone, so speak with care.

“Wolves come during rain.”

Misfortune tends to strike hardest during times that are already difficult.

“The last camel gets the heavy load.”

Those who arrive last are often left with the hardest or least desirable share.

“Suffer with your own rule, rather than frolic under someone else's rule.”

Independence, even with hardship, is worth more than comfort under another's control.

“Bad dogs can't stomach ghee butter.”

Those of poor character cannot appreciate or make good use of fine things.

“Union is the source of success.”

People working together achieve what no individual can accomplish alone.

“Dawn will come with or without the rooster.”

Some events unfold on their own regardless of who claims credit or takes charge.

“Be the head of a wasp rather than the tail of a lion.”

It is better to be small but in control of your own fate than great but subordinate.

“Conquer one with your hands, a thousand with your head.”

Intelligence and strategy accomplish far more than brute force alone.

“If you drink the water, follow the custom.”

When you live among a people, respect and follow their ways.

“Do not look at the teeth of a gifted horse.”

Do not judge or criticize something that has been freely given to you.

“Measure seven times, cut once.”

Careful planning prevents costly mistakes.

“Eat a goat's meat while it is hot.”

Take advantage of an opportunity while the moment is right.

“A bad person's voice is loud.”

Those lacking real substance often compensate with noise and bluster.

“A dog buries a bone he cannot gnaw.”

People sometimes hoard more than they can ever use or manage.

“Drowning in water while running from fire.”

Fleeing one danger carelessly can lead straight into a worse one.

“The stone thrown up falls back on the thrower.”

Harmful actions eventually return to the one who caused them.

“To overlook the gold in your own palm.”

People often fail to notice or value what they already possess.

“To search for a needle in the sand.”

Describes a task that is nearly impossible to accomplish.

“To come out of water dry.”

Describes achieving something that seemed impossible.

“Prepare the pot before you milk.”

Get everything ready before you begin a task, or the work will be wasted.

“A beauty cannot give you milk tea.”

Appearance alone cannot provide the practical substance that life requires.

“Once you have locked your door, you are the emperor of your own domain.”

Within your own home and life, you hold complete authority and dignity.

“Rich is he who has no debts, fortunate is he who lives without handicap.”

True wealth and fortune are freedom from burden, not accumulation of possessions.

“The supreme treasure is knowledge, the middle treasure is children, and the lowest treasure is material wealth.”

Wisdom is valued above family, and family above material riches.

“Men and women sleep on the same pillow, but they dream different dreams.”

Even those closest to one another may hold very different hopes and views.

“While your horse is strong, travel to see new places.”

Make use of your strength and youth to explore while you are able.

“Times are not always the same; the grass is not always green.”

Circumstances constantly change, so one must expect and prepare for both good and hard seasons.

“Two bears in one cave will not end well.”

Two strong rivals sharing the same space or position inevitably clash.

“The meat-biting tooth is in the mouth, the man-biting tooth is in the soul.”

Physical bites heal, but cruel words and betrayal wound the spirit far longer.

“Do not scorn a weak cub — he may become a fierce tiger.”

Never underestimate someone weak today; they may grow into great strength.

“The distance between heaven and earth is no greater than one thought.”

A single change of mind or perspective can transform one's entire situation.

“The winner has many friends; the loser has true friends.”

Success attracts many companions, but hardship reveals who truly cares.