Gaelic Proverbs

Gaelic Proverbs

Ireland, like most cultures, has a tradition of proverbs: pithy and concise sayings that express ideas and beliefs commonly held among its people. Many Irish proverbs originated in the Gaelic language, but have come into common usage among the Irish and their descendants in their translated form. In Irish, proverbs are called seanfhocail, which literally means “old words.”

Cha sgal cù roimh chnàimh.
A dog yells not when hit with a bone.

Eiridh tonn air uisge balbh.
A wave will rise on quiet water.

Cha dèan cat miotagach sealg.
A cat in mittens won’t catch mice.

Is treasa dithis a’ dol thar àn àtha na fad’ o chèile.
Two should stay together when crossing a ford.

Am fear nach dèan cur sa Mhàrt, cha bhuain e san Fhoghar.
He who will not sow in March will not reap in autumn.

Bidh cron duine cho mòr ri beinn mun lèir dha fhèin e.
A man’s fault will be as big as a mountain before he sees it.

Is ioma nì a chailleas fear na h-imrich.
Many a thing drops from the man who often flits.

Brìgh gach cluiche gu dheireadh.
The essence of a game is at its end.