Jan chat mache, se pa konsa l kenbe rat
Jan chat mache, se pa konsa l kenbe rat.
This phrase could be literally translated: "The way cats walk is not the way they catch rats."
We all know the way cats walk. The do it slowly, innocently, and without any care. But when they see a rat and have to hunt to eat, they have totally a different way to be. They become active, smart, rapid, and mad.
In Haiti, we use this proverb to warn people to be careful with people that look and seem inoffensive, weak, or physically short. Appearance or gender are not good indicators to estimate the capacity of someone.
This teaches us not to judge someone by sight when it come to his/her ability and to be careful with people we do not know.
Everyone is intelligent and can fight for what they like or want especially when they have to.
It’s true. "Jan chat mache, se pa kon Sa l kenbe rat."