Netherlands Proverbs (10)

De appel valt niet ver van de boom.

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

Children tend to resemble their parents in character and behaviour.

Wie het kleine niet eert, is het grote niet waard.

“He who does not honour the small is not worthy of the great.”

If you cannot value small things you do not deserve big ones.

Oost west, thuis best.

“East, west, home is best.”

No matter where you travel, your own home is the best place to be.

Wie A zegt, moet ook B zeggen.

“He who says A must also say B.”

Once you begin something you must accept its consequences and finish it.

Al draagt een aap een gouden ring, het is en blijft een lelijk ding.

“Even if a monkey wears a golden ring, it is and remains an ugly thing.”

Outward finery cannot disguise a person's true nature or lack of worth.

Beter een vogel in de hand dan tien in de lucht.

“Better one bird in the hand than ten in the sky.”

A modest thing you securely possess is worth more than larger uncertain prospects.

Als het kalf verdronken is, dempt men de put.

“Only when the calf has drowned does one fill in the well.”

People take precautions only after a disaster has already happened, when it is too late.

Wie boter op zijn hoofd heeft, moet uit de zon blijven.

“He who has butter on his head should stay out of the sun.”

Those who are guilty themselves should not draw attention or criticise others.

Zoals het klokje thuis tikt, tikt het nergens.

“There is no clock that ticks like the one at home.”

Nowhere feels as familiar and comfortable as one's own home.

De kat uit de boom kijken.

“To watch the cat out of the tree.”

To wait cautiously and see how a situation develops before acting.