American Proverb Quotes

Don't taunt the alligator until after you've crossed the creek.

Never insult an alligator until after you have crossed the river.

It is better to go into a corner slow and come out fast, than to go in fast and come out dead.

The early bird may get the worm, but its the second mouse that gets the cheese.

A mouse never entrusts his life to only one hole.

Precaution is better than cure.

I prefer to be alive, so I'm cautious about taking risks.

I would rather stop too soon than too late.

Living is dangerous. The important thing is to know the limits.

Take the word of experience, I speak the truth: inaction is safest in danger.

Only the paranoid survive.

He that fears danger in time seldom feels it.

Early and provident fear is the mother of safety.

Vessels large may venture more, But little boats should keep near shore.

Safety and comfort comes with complacency, and that's never a good place to be working from.

When something bad happens, you're bound to be doubly careful.

You would not get out of bed in the morning if you were constantly worrying about the possibility of something happening to you on your way to work. But it is still something to pay attention to, I think.

It's a dangerous world, man. You've gotta keep your eyes and ears peeled and be on the alert all the time.

Trust, but look for the exits.

Consider the little mouse, how sagacious an animal it is which never entrusts its life to one hole only.

He who keeps danger in mind, is he who will rest safe in his seat; he who keeps ruin in mind, is he who will preserve his interests secure.

We hope all danger may be overcome; but to conclude that no danger may ever arise would itself be extremely dangerous.

He is the furthest from danger, who is on his guard even when in safety.

The step between prudence and paranoia is short and steep. Prudence wears a seat belt. Paranoia avoids cars. Prudence washes with soap. Paranoia avoids human contact. Prudence saves for old age. Paranoia hoards even trash. Prudence prepares and plans, paranoia panics. Prudence calculates the risk and takes the plunge. Paranoia never enters the water.

Caution, though very often wasted is a good risk to take.