Not only do these proverbs give you a taste for the Gaelic language - they give a feel for the warm Gaelic culture and humour as well! In cases where the lesson is not clear, a brief explanation is provided, but it is acknowledged that many have much wider scope than is suggested by the explanation.
’S fheàrr iasg beag na bhith gun iasg idir
A little fish is better than no fish at all.
’S e a’ mhuc shàmhach as motha a dh ’itheas
It's the quiet pig that eats the most - said of a quiet person who is discovered to be the unlikely culprit.
’S math an sgàthan sùil caraid
A friends eye is a good mirror.
’S fheàrr caraid sa chùirt na crùn san sporan
A friend in court is worth more than crowns in the purse
In hard times, a friend is better than any amount of money.
Ged a chuireadh tu an t-amadan ann an amar-bruthaidh, cha dhealaich amaideas ris
Although you would put the fool into a wine press, foolishness will not part from him.
Cha tharraing tu bò an comhair a h-earball
You cannot pull a cow backwards, there is a natural direction with everything (which involves the least effort).
’S fheàrr am bonnach beag le beannachd na am bonnach mòr le mallachd
Better the small scone with blessing than the large scone with cursing.
Given in the proper spirit, the worth of a gift is greater. Equivalent to the expression: 'it's the thought that counts'
Chan eil air an duine sona ach a bhreith agus àrach
The contented person has no needs but to be born and brought up.
Cha tig an còta-glas cho math dhan h-uile fear
The grey coat doesn't suit everyone as well. Archaic - said of those who look good in any sort of clothing, no matter how common, but it can be used in an ironic sense.
Cha tig olc à teine
No evil can come out of fire
The purifying power of the flame
’S fheàrr a bhith dhìth a chinn na a bhith a dhìth an fhasain
It is better to be without your head than without style.
The deranged person is scorned less than the unfashionable
Bhith beò beathail ged nach bitheadh tu beò ach leth-uair.
To live life to the full, though you would only live a half hour.
From the booklet "Celtic Culture" originally collected from Torquil and Catriona Macleod, Cnoc, Tormod Macleod, Scalpay and Dolina Macleod, CnES.
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