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Hendak seribu daya, tak hendak seribu dalih.

“Willing, and a thousand ways appear; unwilling, and a thousand excuses appear.”

A determined person finds ways to succeed, while a reluctant one only finds reasons to avoid trying.

— Traditional Singapore Wisdom, Singapore

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

More about Traditional Singapore Wisdom →·More Proverbs from Singapore →

More Proverbs from Singapore

Bagai aur dengan tebing.

“Like bamboo and its riverbank.”

Two parties who support and protect each other in a relationship of mutual benefit.

Traditional Singapore Wisdom

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

Bagai pinang dibelah dua.

“Like an areca nut split into two.”

Two people or things that are strikingly similar or perfectly matched, such as a devoted couple.

Traditional Singapore Wisdom

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

Air tenang jangan disangka tiada buaya.

“Calm water, do not assume there is no crocodile.”

A quiet or humble appearance may conceal hidden depth, danger, or strength.

Traditional Singapore Wisdom

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

Ada gula, ada semut.

“Where there is sugar, there are ants.”

People are naturally drawn to wherever there is profit or opportunity.

Traditional Singapore Wisdom

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

Sedikit-sedikit, lama-lama jadi bukit.

“Little by little, over time it becomes a hill.”

Small, consistent efforts accumulate into something significant.

Traditional Singapore Wisdom

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

Bagai katak di bawah tempurung.

“Like a frog under a coconut shell.”

A person with a narrow, limited view of the world, unaware of what lies beyond their small experience.

Traditional Singapore Wisdom

Source: Traditional Malay proverb (peribahasa Melayu), shared heritage of Singapore's Malay community and the wider Malay-speaking region, public-domain oral tradition

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