Rodgers Dictionary of Proverbs
When a durian tree is already ripe and
sweet, many of the durians will fall to
the ground.
When a dying man cries, it is not because of
where he is going which he knows
nothing about, but because of what he
wishes he would have done in the world
he is leaving behind.
When a ewie's drowned she's dead.
When a face is sullen, it remains there to be
seen on its owner.
When a father gives to his son, both laugh;
when a son gives to his father, both cry.
When a father gives to his son, they both
laugh.
When a father helps a son, both smile; but
when a son must help his father, both
cry.
When a father praises his son, he flatters
himself.
When a finger is pointing at the moon,
imbecile (the fool) looks at the finger.
When a fire starts from the shrine, no
precaution can be possible.
When a fool becomes enlightened, the wise
man is in trouble.
When a fool has made up his mind, the
market has gone by.
When a fool has the cow by the horns, the
wise man can milk it.
When a fool is cursed, he thinks he is being
praised.
When a fool is told a proverb, it has to be
explained to him.
When a four-year child is still crawling
instead of walking it is time to cry out.
When a fowl gets to a new town, it stands
on one leg until it knows that it is a town
where people stand on their two legs.
When a fox is in his hole, the smoke fetches
him out.
When a fox preaches, take care of your
geese.
When a fox walks lame, the old rabbit
jumps.
When a friend asks, there is no tomorrow.
When a friend makes you comfortable, you
687
should also make him comfortable.
When a girl in the teahouse smiles at you,
look the other way. (maybe she is
smiling at someone behind you.)
When a girl is born all four walls weep.
When a girl is born it is like having six
thieves invade the house.
When a girl whistles, the angels cry.
When a goat gives birth where there are
people, it is seeking their support to keep
the dogs away.
When a good offer comes for your daughter,
don't wait till her father returns from
market.
When a goose dances, and a fool versifies,
there is sport.
When a Greek shakes your hand, count your
fingers.
When a habit begins to cost money, it's
called a hobby.
When a heart is on fire, sparks always fly
out of the mouth.
When a heifer is far from home she grows
longer horns.
When a hen is brooding, another hen cannot
sit on her eggs.
When a hundred men call a wise man a fool,
then he becomes a fool.
When a king has good counselors, his reign
is peaceful.
When a king is about to lose his power his
orders burn more intensely than fire.
When a king makes a mistake, all the people
suffer.
When a knave is in a plum-tree, he has
neither friend nor kin.
When a large vessel has opened a way, it is
easy for a small one to follow.
When a lawyer dies, the Devil follows him
to his grave.
When a leopard dies, he leaves his coat.
When a man dies, he leaves his name.
When a liar speaks the truth, he is sick.
When a life is at stake, don't follow the
majority.