Proverbial Sayings
Fírinde inár croidhedhaibh...
Fírinde inár croidhedhaibh & nertt inár lámhaibh, & comall inár tengthaibh.
(truth * in our * hearts * & * strength * in our * hands / arms * & * fulfilment-of-promise * in our * tongues)
The truth in our hearts, the strength in our arms, and the truth in our tongues.
I cenn cach baíth a báegul.
I cenn cach baíth a báegul.
(confronting * every * rash man * his * hazard)
Every reckless man faces his own danger.
Ba cáera for gaimen.
Ba cáera for gaimen.
(would be * berries * on * hide)
That would be like (a few) berries on the table.
co ná rabar dá adaig i n-áeninad
co ná rabar dá adaig i n-áeninad
(so that * not * I might be * two * nights * in * one place)
lest I be two nights in the same place = so that I never stop traveling
Do·rignis Cú ocus Cethen dím.
Do·rignis Cú ocus Cethen dím.
(you have made * Cú * and * Cethen * of me)
You have destroyed me completely.
Is fada le fer bfurnaide.
Is fada le fer bfurnaide.
(is * long * with * man * of waiting)
Times passes slowly when you’re waiting for something.
Is uisce do loch insin.
Is uisce do loch insin.
(is * water * to * lake * that)
That is (like carrying) water to a lake.
Ní gnáth orgain cen scéola.
Ní gnáth orgain cen scéola.
(not * usual * massacre * without * survivor)
However harsh the battle, someone usually survives to tell the tale.
Na sluaig na saiget segair.
Na sluaig na saiget segair.
(the * armies * that not * attack * is/are attacked)
Armies that don’t attack are attacked.
Is súail ní is budi ri bocht.
Is súail ní is budi ri bocht.
(is * trifling * thing * that is * grateful * to * poor man)
A poor man is thankful for even small things.