Traditional✓ Culturally verified
“New broom sweep clean, but owl broom noe dem cahna.”
The new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows all the corners.
What does “New broom sweep clean, but owl broom noe dem cahna” mean?
We should strive for a happy blend between the old and the new, combining the freshness of the new with the valuable experience of the old.
English translation
The new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows all the corners.
Literal translation
The new broom sweeps clean, but the old broom knows all the corners.
Understanding the expression
We should strive for a happy blend between the old and the new, combining the freshness of the new with the valuable experience of the old.
When to use it: an illustrative example
"Di new hire fast, but ask Miss P — she know where everyting deh." New broom sweep clean, but owl broom noe dem cahna.
Partner proverb
Every proverb has its partner
“New broom sweep clean, but owl broom noe dem cahna.”
“Ole fiyah tick easy fe ketch.”
Old fire sticks are easily re-kindled.
Shared wisdom: Never value newness over experience.
View partner proverb →Topics
Explore more Jamaican sayings
Attribution and review
Traditional Jamaican proverb