Proverbs

Wise words and timeless sayings from across Africa, in Pidgin.

Khaki no be leather

— All things are not equal

No food for lazy man

— Lazy people don't eat

Small pikin wey dem carry for back no know say the journey far.

— Those who are pampered or supported don't understand the struggle of the provider.

When breeze blow, fowl yansh go open

— nothing stays hidden forever

Pikin wey say him mama no fine they use style call him papa blind man.

— Insulting your origins is an indirect way of insulting your heritage/parents.

Rat when get only one hole go soon enter trap

— it is dangerous to have only one option or path in life

No loose guard

— Stay alert

No condition is permanent

— Situations change

Na wa o!

— It is amazing/shocking!

Na happiness dey make prick stand

— Joy and a clear mind are the foundations of vitality and motivation.

Monkey dey work, baboon dey chop

— One works, another reaps

Weather hot!! É No mean say fowl go lay boiled egg.

— No matter how difficult the circumstances, some things are simply impossible.

Body no be firewood

— Rest is necessary

Water no get enemy

— Everyone needs water (peace)

Use your head

— Be smart

Hustle o

— Work hard

Japa for better life

— Emigrate for a better life

Shine your eye

— Be smart/alert

Soldier go, soldier come

— People come and go

Monkey no fine, but him mama like am

— a mother's love is unconditional

Woman wey dey find pikin no dey wear pant sleep.

— If you want results, you must take the necessary actions and be prepared.

Life na turn by turn

— Life is in stages

Half bread better pass none

— Something is better than nothing

Patient dog eat fat bone

— Patience pays

Na for old age ashawo dey know the value of pikin.

— People often realize the importance of family/legacy only when they are lonely.

Na daytime dem dey find black goat

— handle important issues or seize opportunities

Woman wey never see problem..Na im dey still hold breast run.

— One who hasn't faced true hardship still worries about minor inconveniences.

na from under tree man de know weda e go fit climb am or not

— You judge a task's difficulty before you start, not halfway through.

Rat wey follow lizard enter rain, Na later e go hear am.

— If you mimic those who are different from you, you will suffer the consequences.

Problem no dey finish

— Problems never end (enjoy life)

Follow who know road

— Follow guidance

No be when you don top tree you de know say you fit climb am

— Success is proven by the action of starting, not just by reaching the goal.