Proverbs are frequently-used sayings which often provide witty insight into a culture's beliefs and traditions.
Moroccans use proverbs liberally in their speech. Below is a list of popular proverbs from Morocco. Also see the list of Moroccan Food Proverbs which relate to food, cooking and eating.
Moroccan Proverbs
- If a man falls, all will tread on him.
- He who follows the right path, thorns will not hurt him.
- He who flatters with laughter wants to see you cry.
- Do not correct with a strike that which can be taught with a kiss.
- A fly will not get into a closed mouth.
- A wise woman has much to say and yet remains silent.
- Nothing dries sooner than a tear.
- If you don't understand it with a wink, you certainly will with a blow.
- If a rich man steals it is a mistake; if a poor man makes a mistake he has stolen.
- Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of its mother.
- No lamb has ever been born with its wool on.
- By all means make friends with the dog, but do not lay aside the stick.
- The heart of a fool is in his mouth; the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.
- If the judge is against you, withdraw the complaint.
- Believe what you see and lay aside what you hear.
- It is worse to be wounded by words than a sword.
- Work and you will be strong; sit and you will stink.
- It is better to be the object of jealousy than pity.
- An old cat will not learn how to dance.
- Many are the roads that do not lead to the heart.
- If you are a peg, endure the knocking; if you are a mallet, strike.
- Abundance of money is a trial for a man.
- Do not respond to a barking dog.
- Instruction in youth is like engraving in stone.
