Traditional✓ Culturally verified
“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.
What does “Nuh cuss alligator long mout till yu done cross de river” mean?
Hold your tongue while you are still in someone's power; patience and discretion are the better part of valour.
English translation
Don't insult the alligator's long mouth until you have finished crossing the river.
Understanding the expression
The river is any situation where you still depend on someone. Mocking them before you are safely across invites trouble.
When to use it: an illustrative example
"Mi waan tell di boss bout himself." — "Nuh cuss alligator long mout till yu done cross de river. Wait till yuh new job confirm first."
Partner proverb
Every proverb has its partner
“Nuh cuss alligator long mout till yu done cross de river.”
“Han' inna lion mout, tek time draw it out.”
If your hand is in the lion's mouth, take your time pulling it out.
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