By RaKamSa, Northend Agent’s
”Wen yu an eena liyan mowt, tek time pull i owt.” (Jamaican Language, also called or misnamed Patois.)
English translation: When your hand is in the lion’s mouth, be careful while you pull it out.
This proverb has been quoted in the Caribbean for over a hundred years. It is, and was applicable in the context of people under some type of domination due to their circumstances. The lion here, could represent the fabled wicked mother-in -law, bosses, those who think they could own people, or any other who abused the power that they had jockeyed themselves into. This was one of the revolutionary strategies used by the Maroons all over the Americas, it has been a game plan of the abused universally, no matter the tags or the place.
From experience, these abused found that there were times when a full and open battle of liberation could bring catastrophe due to the strength or wilyness of the antagonist. In such times, stealth and guardedness were some of their best colleagues. As with any wise warrior, they strengthened their hand while monitoring the energies of their oppressors, waiting for good opportunities to escape or strike. That way they wouldn’t endanger themselves or their loved ones as they bid to be free.
This proverb is closely related to the popular adage “He who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day”.
Cultural references: Max Romeo, (song) “Tan an See.” Bob Marley/Wailers (song) “The Heathen.”
