More Dialectic Sayings of Trinidad and Tobago (Part Three)

(1)   “When yuh neighbour house burning, wet down yuh own.”

When you see others going through a bad situation do what you can to make sure it does not happen to you.

(2)   “Peter does pay for Paul, and Paul does pay for all.”

People are often unfairly blamed for the misdeeds of others.

(3)   “Don’t trouble trouble unless trouble trouble you.”

Do not meddle with trouble unless it is your problem.

(4)   “What sweet in goat mouth is sour in de bam bam [bottom].”

Sometimes things in life may seem sweet at first but later you realize that it leaves a sour taste in your mouth.

(5)   “Peas doh bear corn” or “Goat doh make sheep” or “De fruit doh fall far from de tree.”

Children are often just like their parents.

(6)   “Wha doh kill does fatten, an wha doh fatten does purge!”

This is a very optimistic way of looking at trials. Everything that comes our way will be to our profit. Some elderly people are known to use this saying when they realize that there are ants in their food or drink. Rather than throw it away they continue eating or drinking and repeat this saying.

(7)   “He ketch a vaps.”

This is said when someone is acting very, very erratic all of a sudden.

(8)   “One, one, does full basket.”

Things may take a while but little by little it can be done.                      

(9)   “Mouth open, tory [story] jump out”

When there is an argument or a quarrel secrets are revealed.

(10) “Belly full man does tell hungry gut man keep heart.”

Those who have plenty tell others who are so well-to-do to be courageous and do not help them in a tangible way. 

For the first article in this series see:

http://trifter.com/caribbean-latin-america/ten-dialectic-sayings-of-trinidad-and-tobago/

For Part Two see:

http://trifter.com/caribbean-latin-america/more-dialectic-sayings-of-trinidad-and-tobago-part-two/

Part Four:

http://socyberty.com/society/still-more-dialectic-sayings-of-trinidad-and-tobago-part-four/