Frisian proverbs
Frisian is a distinguished dialect spoken in northern Netherlands.
A
- A kü moalkat trog a hols.
- Idiomatic translation: It's by the head that the cow gives the milk.
- Meaning: Whatever input you give, whatever output you get.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1039. ISBN 0415096243.
- An slacht müs, thiar man ian hål hä.
- Idiomatic translation: It is a poor mouse that has only one hole.
- Meaning: It is dangerous to always depend on just one thing, because if it fails you, you will not have any alternatives.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 375. ISBN 0415096243.
B
- Bergen moetsje inoar net, mar minsken wol.
- Idiomatic translation: A mountain never meets a mountain, but a man meets a man.
- Meaning: 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 213. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
- Bähsere, alliene, ás äujn hijn sêlsháp.
- Translation: It is better to be alone than to be in bad company.
- English equivalent: Better be alone than in bad company.
- Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 572. ISBN 0415096243.
D
- De apel falt net fier fan 'e beam.
- Idiomatic translation: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
- Meaning: Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.
- Source for proverbs and meaning: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
E
- En blinn hänn fánt ock en kjárl.
- Idiomatic translation: A blind may sometimes hit the mark.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 36. ISBN 0415096243.
H
- Ham skal liar, so laang üüs-m lewwet.
- Translation: One should learn as long as one lives.
- Idiomatic translation: We are to learn as long as we live.
- Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 182. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
I
- Iarst fang, do fluai.
- Idiomatic translation: Don't sell the skin till you have caught the bear.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 641. ISBN 0415096243.
- It giet jin ta it iene ear yn en ta 't oare ear wer út.
- Translation: In at one ear and out at the other.
- English equivalent: Advice most needed are 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 179. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
- It is in minne fûgel dy't syn eigen nêst besmoarget.
- Idiomatic translation: 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 466. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
- It is mei sizzen net te dwaan.
- Translation: It is not done by talking.
- English equivalent: Fine words butters no parsnips.
- Meaning: Merely talking about a problem will not solve it.
- Eisma (2000). It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: sprekwurden, siswizen en útdrukkingen. Fryslân.
M
- Meet drymael, eer gy éens snydt.
- Idiomatic translation: 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 420. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
N
- Nüms kan twe heren denen.
- Translation: Nobody can serve two masters.
- English equivalent: Also, 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 283. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
S
- Sa heit, sa soan.
- Translation: Such father, such son.
- 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 170. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
- Sa mem, sa dochter.
- Translation: Such mother, such daughter.
- 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 rarely.
- Source for meaning and proverb: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
- Sefte hannen meitze stionckende wounen.
- Idiomatic translation: Mild physician – putrid wounds.
- Meaning: Telling harsh truths constructively (to yourself as well) and stern measures makes for a good figurative and literal cure.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1091. ISBN 0415096243.
T
- Tidd an Fläujd täiwe êfter Nemmen.
- Idiomatic translation: Time and tide waits for no man.
- Meaning: The Future will forsake those who forsake him; Focus on the major worries you have today, because you will have even more major worries tomorrow.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 723. ISBN 0415096243.
U
- Uunbeden Thiinst sjonkt.
- Translation: Unasked for service stinks.
- English equivalent: Proffer'd service stinks.
- Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1149. ISBN 0415096243.
Y
- Yn troebel wetter is 't goed fiskjen.
- Translation: It is good fishing in streamy water.
- 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: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 391. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.