Frisian proverbs

Frisian is a language spoken in northern Netherlands.

A

 * A kü moalkat trog a hols.
 * English equivalent: It's by the head that the cow gives the milk.
 * "It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?"
 * Henry David Thoreau, letter to Harrison Blake (16 November 1857).


 * An slacht müs, thiar man ian hål hä.
 * English equivalent: It is a poor mouse that has only one hole.


 * As de kat fan hûs is, tilt de mûs de sturt omheech.
 * English equivalent: If the cat is away, the mice play.
 * Meaning: "In the absence of the person in authority those under his control will often neglect the duties/rules imposed on them."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:

B

 * Bergen moetsje inoar net, mar minsken wol.
 * English equivalent: A mountain never meets a mountain, but a man meets a man.
 * "There are some things/events that are impossible, like an encounter of mountains, but there is always a chance for people to meet. or Once can always find a possibility for revenge."
 * Source for proverbs and meaning:


 * Bähsere, alliene, ás äujn hijn sêlsháp.
 * English equivalent: Better be alone than in bad company.

D

 * De apel falt net fier fan 'e beam.
 * English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
 * "Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents."


 * De stijn, dirr ōfting wāllert wort, begràit ài.
 * English equivalent: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
 * "There are a Set of People in the World of fo unfettled and reftleis a Temper, and such Admirers of Novelty, that they can never be long pleafed with one way of’ living, no more than to continue long in one Habitation; but before they are well enter’d upon one Buﬁnefs, dip into another, and before they are well fettled in one Habitation, remove to another; fo that they are always bufily beginning to live, but by reafon of Ficklenefs and Impatience, never arrive at a way of living: fuch Perfons fall under the Doom of this Proverb, which is delign’d to fix the Volatility of their Tempers, by laying before them the ill Confequences of fuch Ficklenefs and Inconltancy."
 * Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721


 * Dilling liewere en Ai, ás mjårne en Sjückling.
 * English equivalent: Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.


 * Dy't swijt, stimt ta, seit ja.
 * "Those who do not reply to a request or accusation, or who raise no objection to something said or done, are assumed to have acquiesced."

E

 * En blinn hänn fánt ock en kjárl.
 * English equivalent: Even a blind pig may occasionally pick up an acorn.
 * "An incompetent person or an unsystematic approach is bound to succeed every now and then by chance."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:


 * En léeg Faat het de meiste Klank .
 * English equivalent: Empty vessels make the greatest sound.

H

 * Ham skal liar, so laang üüs-m lewwet.
 * English equivalent: We are to learn as long as we live.

I

 * Iarst fang, do fluai.
 * English equivalent: Don't sell the skin till you have caught the bear.


 * It giet jin ta it iene ear yn en ta 't oare ear wer út.
 * English equivalent: Advice most needed is the least heeded.
 * Meaning: For various reasons a good advice or a genuine warning is often disregarded or considered of no importance.
 * Source for meaning and proverb:


 * It is in minne fûgel dy't syn eigen nêst besmoarget.
 * English equivalent: It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest; Don't wash your dirty linen in public.
 * Meaning: Don't speak ill off yourself and the groups you belong to.
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:


 * It is mei sizzen net te dwaan.
 * English equivalent: Fine words butter no parsnips.

L

 * Lähsig Wāiene rummle māst.
 * English equivalent: Empty vessels make the greatest sound.

M

 * Meet drymael, eer gy éens snydt.
 * English equivalent: Measure thrice, cut once.
 * Meaning: One should always act only after due consideration. A hasty action may involve an improper consideration of important aspects.
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:

N

 * Nüms kan twe heren denen.
 * English equivalent: Nobody can serve two masters.
 * Meaning: "One cannot serve two conflicting causes simultaneously. If this is attempted neither will be served properly."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:

S

 * Sa heit, sa soan.
 * English equivalent: Like father, like son.
 * Meaning: "Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:


 * Sa mem, sa dochter.
 * English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
 * Meaning: "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."
 * Source for meaning and proverb:


 * Sefte hannen meitze stionckende wounen.
 * English equivalent: Mild physician – putrid wounds.
 * Meaning: Stern measures makes for a good figurative and literal cure.

T

 * Tidd an Fläujd täiwe êfter Nemmen.
 * English equivalent: Time and tide waits for no man.
 * Meaning: "Take, for illustration, the case of the negligent and unreflecting man. He resolves to accomplish a certain important object at some future period; but in the intervening time, some preparatory, though in itself comparatively trifling business, is indispensable. He defers this business; [...] At length the period for accomplishing the ultimate object arrives: but, alas! the prerequisite, so absolutely connected and essential, is neglected And then, vain man!
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent:

U

 * Uunbeden Thiinst sjonkt.
 * English equivalent: Proffer'd service stinks.

Y

 * Yn troebel wetter is 't goed fiskjen.
 * English equivalent: It is good fishing in troubled waters.
 * Meaning: "In taking advantage of chaotic conditions one can easily serve one's own purposes."
 * Source for proverbs and meaning: