Montserrat Proverbs (10)

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

“One-one cocoa full basket.”

Small, steady contributions add up over time into something substantial.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“What is for you cannot be un-for you.”

What is truly meant for you will come to you no matter the obstacles in the way.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Cockroach has no business in a fowl fight.”

Do not involve yourself in a conflict far bigger or more dangerous than you are; you will only get hurt.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Time longer than rope.”

Given enough time, truth and justice eventually catch up with wrongdoing, however long it takes.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Every skin-teeth is not a laugh.”

A smiling face does not always mean genuine friendliness or good intentions.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“When your neighbour's house is on fire, wet your own roof.”

Take precautions when trouble strikes nearby, even before it reaches your own doorstep.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Empty barrel makes the most noise.”

Those with the least substance or knowledge are often the loudest and most boastful.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Every day is not Christmas.”

Good fortune and celebration do not come every day; be prepared for the ordinary and harder times too.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Play with puppy, puppy licks your mouth.”

Allowing too much familiarity, especially with those beneath your guard, invites disrespect.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition

“Little pot soon hot.”

Small or young people can lose their temper quickly, boiling over faster than those with more experience.

Traditional Montserrat & Eastern Caribbean Wisdom

Source: Traditional Eastern Caribbean proverb, shared West Indian oral tradition across the Leeward Islands including Montserrat, public-domain oral tradition