Scottish people use a lot of sayings and expressions in daily life which offer advice and even sometimes have hidden meanings.
Check out these proverbs and quotes below to gain some insight into Scottish beliefs and ways of thinking.
Below I’ve listed famous Scottish Gaelic quotes, inspiring Scottish Gaelic sayings and common Scottish Gaelic proverbs.
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Famous Scottish Gaelic Proverbs & Scottish Gaelic Sayings
Below I’ve listed the most famous Scottish Gaelic proverbs as well as some common Scottish Gaelic sayings. These are used often in day to day life.
- A’ bhiast as mutha ag ithe na beiste as lugha – The big fish eats the little fish.
This Scottish Gaelic proverb relates people to fish, meaning that stronger people overcome weaker people.
- Èist ri gaoth nam beann gus an traogh na h-uisgeachan – Listen to the wind upon the hill till the waters abate.
This proverb teaches us to keep a low profile until trouble passes.
- Na las sop nach urrainn duit féin a chuir as – Do not light a fire you cannot put out.
- A staigh air an dala cluais ‘s amach air a’ chluais eile – In one ear and out the other.
This Scottish Gaelic saying about life is about people not listening to advice.
- Cha sgeul rùin e is fios aig triuir air – It is no secret when three people know it.
- Innsidh na geòidh as t-fhoghar e – The geese will tell it in the autumn.
This saying means that all will be revealed in due course. It is similar to the English saying ‘time will tell’.
- Is minig a bha droch bhròg air mnaoi griasaiche – Often a shoemaker’s wife has bad shoes.
This Scottish Gaelic proverb about life means that working hard for other people often leads to you neglecting your own needs.
- Fanaidh duine sona ri sith, ach bheir duine dona dubh-leum – The fortunate man waits for peace and the unfortunate takes a leap in the dark.
- Is da thrian tionnsgnadh – Begun is two-thirds done.
This saying in Scottish Gaelic is similar to the English saying ‘well begun is half done’. It means that by starting something well, it makes completing the task easier.
- Far is saimhche an uisge, ‘s ann is doimhne e – Where the water is stillest it is deepest.
This saying is similar to the English version ‘still waters run deep’.
It means that someone who seems to be shy and quiet may actually be very intelligent and interesting.
- Am fear a bhios air dheireadh beiridh a’ bhiast air – He that comes last will be caught by the beast.
- Am fear a cheanglas ‘s e ‘shiubhlas – He that ties best travels best.
This Scottish Gaelic proverb about life means that a person who prepares well will likely succeed.
- Cha ‘n fhiosrach, mur feòraich – Nothing asked, nothing learnt.
- Cha ‘n i ‘bhó ‘s àirde géum a’s mò bainne – The loudest cow isn’t always the best milker.
- Chuir sin an clamhan gobhlach am measg nan cearc – To put the red kite among the hens.
This Scottish Gaelic idiom is used to say that you have caused a huge argument by doing or saying something.
Beautiful Scottish Gaelic Quotes & Scottish Gaelic Proverbs
Below I’ve listed a range of famous and inspirational Scottish Gaelic quotes and more Scottish Gaelic proverbs with English translation.
- Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal, ach mairidh gaol is ceòl – The world will end, but love and music will endure.
- Chan eil tuil air nach tig traoghadh – There isn’t a flood that will not subside.
- Chan eil thu tuilleach ‘s sean airson ionnsachadh fhathast – We learn as long as we live.
- Triùir a thig gun iarraidh – gaol, eud is eagal – Three things come uninvited – love, jealousy and fear.
- Na toir breith air réir coltais, faodaidh cridh beartach a bhi fo chòta bochd – Judge not by appearances as a rich heart may be under a poor coat.
- Coinnichidh na daoine far nach coinnich na cnuic – A mountain never meets a mountain, but a man meets a man.
This Scottish Gaelic quote means that some things are impossible, like a mountain meeting another mountain, however there is always a chance for people to meet.
- Go dtuga Dia deoch duit as an tobar nach dtránn – May God give you a drink from the well that never runs dry.
- Eiridh tonn air uisge balbh – Waves will rise on silent water.
- Far is tainne an abhain ‘s ann is mò a fuaim – Where the river is shallowest, it will make the most noise.
- Air mhèud ‘s a their na slòigh, cha ghlòir a dhearbhas ach gnìomh – For all the world can say, not words but deeds are proof.
- Albainn bheadarrach! – Beloved Scotland!
- Cha shìn duine ‘chas ach mar a ruigeas ‘aodach – A man will stretch his foot no farther than his clothes allow.
This Scottish Gaelic quote about strength is about staying within your own limits and not stretching yourself more than is possible.
- Cha téid bòidhchead na ‘s doimhne nan craicionn – Beauty is but skin deep.
- Cha tig a nuas an ni nach ‘eil shuas – Nothing can come down that is not up.
Scottish Gaelic Proverbs & Saying Translated Into English
Below I’ve listed some famous Scottish Gaelic proverbs and sayings that have been translated into English. These all have Scottish origin.
- Fear is worse than fighting.
- Truth is often harsh to tell.
- Every straw is a thorn at night.
- It is better to try than to hope.
- As unsteady as an egg on a stick.
- A friend’s eye is a good looking-glass.
- Raindrops come heavy on an unthatched house.
- Green is the grass of the least trodden field.
Check out the video below which features a range of famous Scottish Gaelic quotes and well-known Scottish Gaelic sayings & proverbs.
Thanks for reading this post on the best Scottish Gaelic quotes about life, famous Scottish Gaelic sayings and fascinating Scottish Gaelic proverbs.
These Scottish Gaelic quotes & sayings give an interesting insight into the Scottish beliefs and language.
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