"A goat dies only once." You only live once, so take the risk. Said when someone decides to do something bold or reckless, accepting the worst that could …

"Sometimes on the cart, sometimes under the cart." Life has its ups and downs. Fortune is changeable — today you may be on top, tomorrow at the bottom.

"Work is not a hare — it won't run away." There's no rush; the work will still be there later. Often used to justify taking a break or not hurrying.

"A clear New Year means a bountiful harvest." A folk weather proverb: if New Year's Day is sunny and clear, the year's harvest will be rich and plentiful.

"The Holy Spirit advises beating children with a switch; a switch will not harm their health at all." An old proverb endorsing corporal punishment of children …

"Fish and guests smell after three days." Guests who overstay their welcome become as unwelcome as rotting fish. Hospitality has its limits.

"Fish like to swim." A humorous justification for washing down a fish meal — or any meal — with alcohol. The fish needs to swim, so give it something to swim …

"A fish rots from the head." Corruption, failure, or dysfunction in an organisation starts at the top — with its leaders, not the rank and file.

"A little fish likes to swim." A playful justification for washing down a fish meal — or any food — with alcohol. Used humorously to encourage a drink.

"Fish, though they may be good, become tiresome by the third day." Even the best things lose their appeal with repetition. Variety is necessary to keep …

"Agreement between brothers is a rare thing." Harmony among siblings — or close associates — is hard to maintain. Rivalry and disagreement are more common than …

"Rare is the feast day of Saint Dorothy without frost, blizzard, or sleet." Saint Dorothy's day (6 February) almost always brings harsh winter weather. A …

"Rarely does the hawk catch a partridge when it chases the whole flock." Trying to pursue everything at once means catching nothing. Focus beats scattered …