Traditional✓ Culturally verified
“Han' inna lion mout, tek time draw it out.”
If your hand is in the lion's mouth, take your time pulling it out.
What does “Han' inna lion mout, tek time draw it out” mean?
When you are in a dangerous or delicate position, move carefully and calmly instead of rushing.
English translation
If your hand is in the lion's mouth, take your time pulling it out.
Understanding the expression
A sudden move with your hand in a lion's jaws is the worst choice — the image teaches patience under pressure.
When to use it: an illustrative example
"Di landlord vex an mi owe two month rent." — "Han inna lion mout, tek time draw it out. Talk to him nice an pay what yuh can."
Partner proverb
Every proverb has its partner
“Han' inna lion mout, tek time draw it out.”
“Nuh cuss alligator long mout till yu done cross de river.”
Don't insult the alligator's long mouth until you have finished crossing the river.
Shared wisdom: Hold your tongue; long-suffering discretion is the better part of valour.
View partner proverb →Topics
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Attribution and review
Traditional Jamaican proverb