Traditional✓ Culturally verified
“Nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe.”
Don't wait until the drum beats before you grind your axe.
What does “Nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe” mean?
Be prepared ahead of time. Don't leave getting ready until the moment you need to act.
English translation
Don't wait until the drum beats before you grind your axe.
Understanding the expression
Like sharpening the axe before the work is called, the saying urges people to plan, study and prepare early because life can be unpredictable.
When to use it: an illustrative example
Exam is next month — nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe. Start studying now.
Topics
Explore more Jamaican sayings
Attribution and review
Traditional Jamaican proverb