Samoan proverbs form an important part of the traditions and culture of Samoa where oratory, poetry, metaphors and subtlety in language art forms are held in high esteem as a form of communication in ceremony and ritual of fa'a Samoa.
[1] The importance of oratory is reflected in Samoa's indigenous chiefly system, fa'a Matai, where titleholders are either ali'i or orator (tulafale) status.
The proverbs were collected and authored by Rev George Pratt, an English missionary from the London Missionary Society who lived in Samoa for 40 years, mostly in Matautu on the central north coast of Savai'i Island.
this means hide things not to be remembered forever Only a threat.
In the game of tatia when counted wrongly; applied to anything not paid for.
Who sits at home in the morning will not eat in the evening.
Applied to youths who get into trouble without consulting the elders.
The crabs left the stone, and took a piece of the reef.
Applied to a number falling in a clubbing match.
Hard-pressed paddling in Puava, but at rest in Fagalele.
A myth of a mountain that went backwards and forwards between Upolu and Savaiʻi.
(literally), Don't let lizards go near when getting afato, because they will eat them.
Applied to children present at conversation of grown people.
Of an oven of food long in preparation, but satisfying.
Applied generally to expected but delayed good.
A mouthful and a blow; or of a canoe both leaky and with the waves coming in.
Applied to one having neither strength nor means, but who talks of building a house.
Leaʻea shook the bonito off his hook back into the sea.
Let your feet be those of Vaeau (who went to heaven and back in a day); i.e., Be quick.
Two taro planted away; i.e., Better have a small plantation of your own than be joined with another.
When the river dries up, water is found only in the bason of the waterfall.