wayhomestudioo/Envato Elements
Anvan w monte bwa, gade si w ka desann
Meaning
The Haitian Creole proverb Anvan w monte bwa, gade si w ka desann means before you climb a tree, check whether you can get down.
The lesson of this proverb is to first think of what can happen in the end before making a decision to avoid problems.
Translation: Think of what can happen before making a choice; count the cost.
Literal Meaning: Before you climb a tree, check whether you can get down.
Example 1
Anvan w monte bwa, gade si w ka desann. Anvan w achte kay la, gade pou w wè to enterè a.
Count the cost. Before you buy the house, check the interest rate.
Example 2
Non, m pa ka jis envesti nan biznis la konsa, monchè. M dwe asire m p ap fè twòp defisi. Anvan w monte bwa, gade si w ka desann.
No, I can't just invest in the business like that, my dude. I need to be sure that I won't lose too much money. I need to think of what can happen before making this choice.
Fun Facts
In Haiti, particularly in more rural areas, it is common for people to climb trees to pick fruits such as mangoes, coconuts and so on.
But someone who is not experienced or becomes negligent might not check to see how tall the tree is and whether he can find his footing to get back down.
The lesson of this proverb is to count the cost or to think of what can happen before you make a decision.