Welsh proverbs

Proverbs from all Welsh speaking parts of the world.

A

 * A wnelir liw nos a welir liw dydd.
 * Jones, Tegwyn (1996). A Little Book of Welsh Proverbs. p.60.
 * Adar o'r unlliw, ehedant i'r unlle.
 * English Equivalent: Birds of a feather flock together.
 * "It is a fact worthy of remark, that when a set of men agree in any particulars, though never so trivial, they flock together, and often establish themselves into a kind of fraternity for contriving and carrying into effect their plans. According to their distinct character they club together, factious with factious, wise with wise, indolent with indolent, active with active et cetera."
 * "It is a fact worthy of remark, that when a set of men agree in any particulars, though never so trivial, they flock together, and often establish themselves into a kind of fraternity for contriving and carrying into effect their plans. According to their distinct character they club together, factious with factious, wise with wise, indolent with indolent, active with active et cetera."


 * Adfyd a ddwg wybodaeth, a gwybodaeth ddoethineb.
 * English equivalent: Experience keeps a dear school, yet fools will learn from no other.
 * "Wisdom makes but a slow defence against trouble, though at last a sure one."
 * Oliver Goldsmith, The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), Chapter XXI

C

 * Carreg a dreigla, ni fwsoga.
 * English equivalent: A rolling stone gathers no moss.
 * "There are a Set of People in the World who are such Admirers of Novelty, that they can never be long pleafed with one way of’ living, who before they are well fettled in one Habitation, remove to another."
 * Source for meaning of English equivalent: Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721


 * Cyfaill cywir mewn ing y'i gwelir.
 * English equivalent: A friend is known in adversity, like gold is known in fire.


 * Cynt y cyferfydd dau ddyn na dau fynydd.
 * 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 "One can always find a possibility for revenge."
 * Source for proverbs and meaning:

D

 * Dyfal donc y dyr y garreg.
 * English equivalent: Slow and steady wins the race.


 * Dysgu i gi bach gachu.
 * Teach your grandmother to suck eggs. Literally: ‘Teach a puppy to shit’
 * English equivalent: A blind man should not judge of colours.
 * "An uneducated man cannot judge of the attainments of the learned."
 * Source Geiriadur Yr Acádemi Gymreig http://www.kimkat.org/amryw/1_vortaroy/vortaro_gwenta_angla_GWENCI_a_0974e.htm
 * Source Geiriadur Yr Acádemi Gymreig http://www.kimkat.org/amryw/1_vortaroy/vortaro_gwenta_angla_GWENCI_a_0974e.htm

F

 * Fel y bo'r dyn y bydd ei lwdn.
 * English equivalent: Like father, like son.
 * "Sons may look and behave like their fathers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."


 * Fel y fam fel y ferch.
 * English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
 * "Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily."

G

 * Gwna dda dros ddrwg, uffern ni'th ddwg.
 * English equivalent: If life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

I

 * I mewn drwy un glust ac allan drwy'r llall.
 * English equivalent: Advice most needed are the least heeded.
 * "And may you better reck the rede, Than ever did th' adviser."
 * Robert Burns, Epistle to a Young Friend. Reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 10-11.
 * Source for meaning and proverb:

L

 * Llon llygod lle ni bo cath.
 * 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."
 * Source for meaning:

M

 * Mwyaf y brys, mwyaf y rhwystr.
 * English equivalent: Make haste slowly.
 * "Wisdom, though richer than Peruvian mines, And sweeter than the sweet ambrosial hive, What is she, but the means of happiness? That unobtain'd, than folly more a fool."
 * Edward Young, Night Thoughts (1742-1745), Night II, line 496**
 * Mae brenin a tyrchoed a iddew bwyd
 * English equivalent: Thou shalt not steal
 * Literal translation: The king of the Moles is a food jew
 * Meaning:Do not take or borrow something of someone else's without telling them, it is as good as stealing it.
 * Meaning:Do not take or borrow something of someone else's without telling them, it is as good as stealing it.

N

 * Ni all neb wasanaethu dau arglwydd.
 * English equivalent: Nobody can serve two masters.
 * "One cannot serve two conflicting causes simultaneously. If this is attempted neither will be served properly."


 * Nid aur yw popeth melyn.
 * English Equivalent: All that glisters is not gold.
 * "An attractive appearance may be deceptive. It may cover or hide a much less favourable content."
 * Source for meaning:
 * Source for meaning:


 * Nid oes neb mor droednoeth â phlant y crydd.
 * English equivalent: Cobblers' children are worst shod.
 * "Working hard for others one may neglect one's own needs or the needs of those closest to him."
 * Source for meaning and proverbs:

R

 * Rhaid cropian cyn cerdded.
 * English equivalent: Learn to walk before you can run.
 * Source:

Y

 * Y sawl na weithied na fwytaed.
 * 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 proverbs and meaning: