Maltese proverbs

Proverbs from all Maltese speaking parts of the world.

B

 * Bidu tajjeb, nofs ix-xogħol.
 * English equivalent: Well begun, is half done.
 * "Starting properly ensures the speedy completion of a process. A – beginning is often blocked by one or more obstacles (potential barriers) the removal of which may ensure the smooth course of the process."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:

G

 * Ġebel ma' ģebel ma jiltaqa', izda wiċċ jiltaqa'.
 * 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:

I

 * Il-ħuta l-kbira tiekol iż-żghira.
 * English equivalent: Men are like fish; the great ones devour the small.
 * "Small organizations or insignificant people tend to be swallowed up or destroyed by those that are greater and more powerful."


 * Il-ħuta ż-żgħira qatt ma kielet il-ħuta l-kbira.
 * English equivalent: Men are like fish; the great ones devour the small.


 * Iż-żmien għaziz u ma jinxtarax.
 * English equivalent: Time is precious.

K

 * Kulhadd jahbi t-travu tieghu u jara t-traba f'ghajn haddiehor.
 * English equivalent: You see the splinter in another's eye but fail to see the beam in your own.

M

 * Meta jorqod il-nantekk dik il kera, il-ġrieden joħorġu.
 * English equivalent: If the cat is away, the mice play.
 * "In the absence of the person in authority those under his control will often neglect the duties/rules imposed on them."


 * Min jibki, jerda'.
 * "You have to be the one to fight for your rights."


 * Min jorqod ma jaqbadx ħut.
 * English equivalent: He that will not work, shall not eat.


 * Min ma jaħdimx ma jikolx.
 * English equivalent: He that will not work, shall not eat.
 * "Nothing is given to you. Whatever you do, you've got to work for it and earn it."
 * Jack Charlton, British football manager. From his interview with Martyn Lewis, in his book, Reflections on Success (1997)
 * Source for proverb and meaning:


 * Minn waħda dieħel u minn oħra ħiereġ.
 * English equivalent: Advice most needed are the least heeded.
 * "For various reasons good advice or a genuine warning is often disregarded or considered of no importance."
 * Source for meaning and proverb: