Animal Proverbs
across the globe...

Although animals have always played an important role in cultures, animal proverbs aren't what you'd think they'd be. These proverbs are actually sayings which reference an animal and compare the behavior or other likeness of a person to that of a particular critter.

Folklore, whether it African, Japanese or Welsh, is riddled with animal proverbs. Why? Good question. I don't pretend to be a scholar, and I could refer you to other authors that have made it their life quest to delve into such questions. But this site is simply about proverbs. All types of proverbs. So I will leave you with that, and these...

Remember, many cultures have the same sayings - equivalents, so please, no nasty emails to tell me "that's not an Italian proverb, it's a Spanish proverb."

Beware of a man's shadow and a bee's sting.
Malay proverb

If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.
Japanese proverb

Be thine enemy an ant, see in him an elephant.
Turkish proverb

Caution is not cowardice; even the ants march armed.
Ugandan proverb

Not in war nor in peace will a dead bee gather honey.
Welch proverb

Every bird delights in his own voice.
Welch proverb

As the dog goes, so does his tail.
Welch proverb