MALAY PROVERBS. 101 



Tanah lembah kandong-an ayer ) kayu benvkok titi-an kra. 



Low-lying land holds water ; a crooked bough is used by 

 monkies as a bridge. 



The rich prevail, the poor go to the wall. 



7V usah-lah ajar anak buaya bernang, dia sudah pandai 



sedia. 



It is not necessary to teach a young crocodile how to swim, 

 as it is already expert. 



" To teach one's grandmother to suck eggs." 

 Compare :— 



Itek di-ajar bernang. 

 The duck is taught to swim. 

 (No. 77 of Klinkert's Collection of Proverbs). 



Ta'usah bimbang gula di-dalam mulut bila handak 

 telan telan. 



Be not solicitous concerning the sugar which is in your 

 mouth, when you desire to swallow it, do so ! 



Do not be anxious about trifling undertakings. 



Tahan jerat surong kapala. 

 Set a snare and thrust your head into it, 



