SICILIAN PROVERBS

translated into English by Arthur V. Dieli

abbada v.i. 3rd p.sing. To look after, to mind, to manage.: Cui fa assai e nun cci abbada, spenni assai e 'un cogghi biada. Source: Pitrè, I, 38.; Eng. If you invest a lot but don't manage it, you'll have spent a lot but gained little.; Lit. Who does a lot and doesn't look after it, spends a lot but doesn't harvest a crop.

abbaia v.i. 3rd p.sing. To bark, to shout inconsiderately, to ask for in vain.: Cani abbaia e voi pasci. Source: Pitrè, I, 123.; Eng. Dogs bark and oxen graze.; Cani di pagghiaru abbaia e sta luntanu.; Eng. All bark and no bite.; Lit. A worthless dog barks and stays far away.; A un povir' omu, ogni cani cci abbaja.; Eng. Every dog barks at a wretched man.

abballanu v.i. 3rd p.pl. Dance.: Quannu gatta nun c'é li surci abballanu.; Eng. When the cat's away the mice will play.

abballari v.i. Dance.: Abballa mentri furtuna sona. Source: Pitrè, III, 371.; Eng. Make hay while the sun shines.; Lit. Dance while luck is playing.

abbanniari v.t. Advertise, publicize, auction, announce banns.: Lu putiaru zocc'havi abbannia. Source: Pitrè, I, 321.; Eng. The shopkeeper advertises what he has.

abbannunatu v.t. Abandoned.: Lu poviru e lu malatu, È di tutti abbannunatu. Source: Pitrè, III, 269.; Eng. The poor man and the sick man are abandoned by everyone.

abbèniri v.i. Happen, occur.: Prestu e beni, di raru avveni. Source: Pitrè, III, 367.; Eng. Haste and doing good rarely go together.

abbivirari v.t. Water the animals, irrigate.: Mentri lu ciumi curri, abbivira. Source: Pitrè, III, 383.; Eng. While the river is running, use it to water the animals and to irrigate.

abbraciu n.m. A kind of coarse cloth.: 'Ntra greci e greci nun si vinni abbraciu.; Eng. The cunning don't prey on each other.

abbramari v.t. To yearn.: Picciula cosa di luntanu purtata da tutti veni bramata.; Eng. Everyone yearns for the little thing brought from afar.; Cu havi bona fama, ha chiddu chi brama. Source: Pitrè, I, 206.; Eng. Whoever enjoys a good name, has that which is yearned for.

abbruciari v.t. Burn.: Si nun ti voi abbruciari nun ti mettiri accantu a lu focu. Source: Traina, 394.; Eng. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.; Lit. If you don't want to get burned, don't get near the fire.; Quannu s'abbrucia la casa di lu tò vicinu, porta l'acqua a la tua. Source: Pitrè, III, 387.; Eng. When your neighbor's house catches fire, carry water to your own.; Quannu la casa s'abbrucia, jèttacci ligna. Source: Bellantonio;, II, 108.; Eng. Don't waste your time on a lost cause.; Lit. When the house is aflame, throw on more wood.

abiti n.m. Clothes, dress.: Spissu sutt' abiti vili, si trova un cori gintili. Source: Bellantonio, II 137.; Eng. Under ragged clothing one often finds a kind heart.; Tr. note. See the poem by Fudduni about ragged clothing.

accadiri v.i. Happen, occur, take place: Accadi in un puntu zoccu nun accadi in centu anni. Source: Traina, 10.; Eng. That which hasn't been, can be.; Lit. What hasn't happened in a hundred years can happen at any point.; 'Un accadi a cunsigghiari li boni avvinturati. Source: Bellantonio, II 195.; Eng. It's of little use to counsel those who are lucky.

accascari v.i. Happen, occur, take place: Accasca 'ntra un' ura zoccu 'un accasca 'ntra un annu. Source: Pitrè, III, 98.; Eng. The unexpected can happen at any time.; Lit. That which hasn't happened in a year, happens in an hour.

accatta v.t. 3rd p.sing. Buy.: Cui accatta havi bisogna centu occhi, e cui vinni unu sulu.; Eng. Buyer beware. lit. The buyer needs a hundred eyes, the seller only one.; Accatta caru e vinni mircatu.; Eng. Buy good quality and sell at the market price.; Accatta di quattru e vinni d'ottu.; Eng. Buy for four and sell for eight.; Accatta scecchi e vinni scecchi.; Eng. Stick with what you know. lit. Buy donkeys and sell donkeys.

accattari v.t. To buy.: 'Un accattari la gatta 'ntra lu saccu. Source: Pitrè, III, 297.; Eng. Don't buy a pig in a poke.; Lit. Don't buy a cat in a sack.; 'Ntr' amici e 'ntra parenti; 'N' accattari e 'un vinniri nenti. Source: Pitrè, I, 323.; Eng. Don't buy or sell anything; Among friends or relatives.; Cu parenti e cu vicini,; 'Un cci accattari e 'un cci vinniri. Source: Pitrè, I, 323.; Eng. With relatives and neighbors,; Don't buy or sell.

accetta n.f. Hatchet.: Ad arvulu cadutu accetta accetta. Source: Bellantonio, II, 23.; Eng. When a man is down, kick him.; Lit. Chop up the fallen tree.

acchiana v.t. Climbs, increases.: Cui acchiana troppu 'nnautu nun è sicuru.; Eng. Who climbs too high is not secure.; L'amuri scinni e nun (o --mai) acchiana. Source: Bellantonio, II, 152.; Eng. Love decreases and does not increase (or -- never increases).

accidenti n.m. Accident, mishap, chance.: Sìggiri prestamenti, pagari tardamenti; cu' sa qualchi accidenti, non si ni paga nenti.; Eng. Collect promptly, pay slowly; who knows, in case of an accident, no payment will be needed.

accordiu, accordu n.m. A musical chord, an agreement, an accord, a compromise.: Megliu accordu màghiru ca sintenza grassa. Or, È meghiu accordiu magru ca sintenza grassa.; Eng. A lean award is better than a costly judgement.

accumenza v.t. 3rd p.sing. Begins, starts, commences.: Cui multi cosi accumenza, nudda nni finisci.; Eng. Who starts many things, finishes nothing.; Accumenza ad arricchiri, cu' accumenza a disprizzari li ricchizzi. Source: Pitrè, III, 251.; Eng. He begins to be rich, who scorns riches.; Cui nun accumenza, nun finisci. Source: Pitrè, III, 375.; Eng. Who doesn't start, doesn't finish.

accuminzari v.t. To begin, to start, to commence.: Cui vecchiu voli campari, a bon' ura voli accuminzari. Source: Bellantonio, II, 211.; Eng. If you want to live to an old age, you need to start early.; Megghiu nun accuminciari, chi stancari e nun finiri. Source: Bellantonio, II 20.; Eng. It's better to not start, than to tire and not finish.; Cosa mala accuminzata è mala finuta. Source: Pitrè, III, 372.; Eng. A job badly started, is badly finished.; Cosa beni accuminzata è menza finuta. Source: Pitrè, III, 374.; Eng. A task well started is half finished.; Di li cosi beni accuminzati,; Nn' hai fattu la mitati. Source: Pitrè, III, 374.; Eng. Of those things well started,; You're half done.

accunsenti v.i. Approve, agree, consent.: Cui taci, accunsenti. Source: Pitrè, III, 220.; Eng. Silence is tantamount to agreement.

accurdari v.t. Reconcile, tune, pacify.: Cui pò accurdari la Spagna cu la Franza? Source: Pitrè, III, 142.; Eng. Who can make Spain and France reconcile?

accusì adv. Thus, this way, so, as.: Cu' pò nun vò, cu' vò nun pò, cu' fa nun sa e cu' sa nun fa, e 'cussi tuttu lu munnu va. Source: Traina, 787.; Eng. Who can, won't; who wants to, can't; who does it , doesn't know how; and who knows how, doesn't do it; and that's the way of the world.

aceddu n.m. Bird.: L'aceddu 'nta gaggia, nun canta pr'amuri, ma pri raggia.; Eng. The bird that's caged, sings not from joy, but from rage.

acidduzzi n.m.pl. dim. Little birds.: Quannu l'acidduzzi 'un fannu dannu signu ca cuntrariu avisti l'annu.; Eng. The year hasn't been the best if the birds haven't messed.

acitu n.m. Vinegar.: Di bonu vinu si fa pessimu acitu.; Eng. Good wine yields pungent vinegar. Lit. Bad vinegar is made from good wine.

acqua n.f. Water, rain.: L'acqua fa mali e lu vinu fa cantari.; Eng. Water harms but wine makes you sing.; Acqua mali fàciri e vinu cunfurtibili.; Eng. Water harms and wine comforts.; Acqua di primintíu, allarga l'armu miu; acqua e suli 'ntra li simenzi, mi criscinu li spiranzi; acqua di maju e aprili, curru cu tutti li vili; poi boni matinati, ricchizza di li casi.; Eng. Early rain cheers my soul; water and sun during seeding, inspires hope; the rains of April and May are late at night; then the good mornings, will be the wealth of the houses.; Acqua e suli fa lavuri, acqua e ventu fa frummentu.; Eng. Water and sun make work, water and wind make grain.; L'acqua nun si pò fari sangu. Source: Bellantonio, II 156.; Eng. Blood is thicker than water. Lit. Water can't be made into blood.; Acqua davanti e ventu d'arrè. Source: Danny Sutera.; Eng. If it rains you should not walk against the wind.; Note. This phrase is also used as in "God speed".

acquistari v.t. Acquire, accumulate.: Cui di lu miu nun leva, assai pozza acquistari. Source: Bellantonio, II 26.; Eng. If nothing is taken from me, I can accumulate a lot.; Lu primu menzu di acquistari è lu travagghiari.; Eng. Working is the primary way of acquiring.

acquistatu v.t. past p. Acquired, transferred, received.: Pocu dura lu mal'acquistatu.; Eng. Ill gotten gains are not long possessed. Lit. Wrongful acquisitions don't last long.

àcula n.f. Eagle.: Tanti corvi abbàttinu 'n' àcula. Source: Bellantonio, II, 110.; Eng. A flock of crows can chase away an eagle.

adaciu adv. Slowly.: Adaciu adaciu si fa gran viaggiu.; Eng. A long journey begins with a single step.; Lit. A long voyage is made very slowly.

addabbanna adv. Over there.: Dumani matina cu lu cozzu addabbanna.; Eng. I'll get to it tomorrow morning.

addannàrisi v.t. Be damned.: Omu dispiraatu, menzu addannatu. Source: Pitrè, III, 273.; Eng. The man in dire straits is halfway to hell.; Lit. The desperate man is half damned.

addàuru n.m. Laurel.: Cchiù sosizza e mancu addàuru. Source: Pitrè, II.; Eng. Less appearance and more substance.; Lit. More sausage and less laurel.

addimura n.f. Delay, hesitate, protest.: Sceccu ch'addimura torna càricu.; Eng. The jackass that delays returns laden.; Cani ch'addimura, porta caccia. Source: Pitrè, I, 123.; Eng. The dog that's late is bringing the catch.; Cosa ch' addimura, pigghia viziu. Source: Pitrè, III, 372.; Eng. The task you avoid gets no easier.

addisìa v.t. 3rd p.sing. Desires, wants, yearns.: Zoccu si schifia, veni tempu chi s'addisìa. Source: Pitrè, III, 100.; Eng. In time you'll want what you had scorned.

addisiari v.t. To desire, to want, to yearn.: Megghiu muriri e lassari,; Chi campari e addisiari. Source: Pitrè, III, 271.; Eng. Better to die and leave something,; Than to live yearning for something.

addisirtari v.i. Cast off, abort.: Cu' addiserta annetta; e cui spinna, mori. Source: Bellantonio, II 141.; Eng. Who casts off desires, is refreshed; and who yearns endlessly, dies.

additta adv. Upright, land on your feet, in the right.: Cascari addita comu li gatti.; Eng. Come out of it standing on all four.

addivari v.t. To rear, to nurse, to bring up, to raise children.: L'addivari fa l'amuri. Source: Bellantonio, II 150.; Eng. Raising children engenders love.; Cu' addeva figghi, addeva porci. Source: Bellantonio, II 141.; Eng. Who nurses children, nurses pigs.; Cu' addeva figghi, addeva porci. Source: Bellantonio, II 141.; Eng. Who nurses children, nurses pigs.

addivintirai v.i. 2nd p.sing. To become.: Assai megghiu addivintirai si a la morti pinsirai.; Eng. You'll become a lot better if you think about your death.

addrizzari v.t. Straighten, arrange, prepare.: Prima di 'nfurnari s'addrizzanu li pizzi torti. Source: Pitrè, III, 368.; Eng. First things first.; Lit. Prepare the pizzas before you put them in the oven.

addubbari v.t. To embellish, adorn, accomodate.: Nn' ha manciatu sta vucca pastizzi ed ora si addubba a pani e ramurazzi.; Eng. We've had our mouthful of focaccio, now we'll get back to our bread and radishes.

addugari v.t. To rent, hire, accomodate.: Lu sennu non si vendi nè s' adduga.; Eng. Wisdom is not sold, nor can it be rented.

addumanna v.t. 3rd p.sing. Ask for, demand, request.: A cui ti pò pigghiari chiddu chi hai, dacci chiddu chi t'addumanna.; Eng. If someone can take whatever you have, give them whatever they ask for.

affannatu adv. Anguish, distress, trouble, affliction, pain.: Vôi fari parrari lu mutu? Lèvacci lu sò affannatu.; Eng. Do you want to make the mute speak? Get rid of his affliction.

affettu n.m. Affection.: Lu maritu senza affettu comu la casa senza tettu.; Eng. The husband lacking in affection is like a house lacking a roof.; Cu' ti porta veru affettu non ti manca di rispettu.; Eng. True affection does not lack respect.

affittatu adj. Sugary.: Cui veni primu, mancia pani affittatu. Source: Pitrè, III, 377.; Eng. Who comes first, eats sugary bread.

affliggi v.t. 3rd p.sing. Afflicts.: Diu affliggi, ma nun abbanduna.; Eng. God afflicts, but does not abandon.

affruntari v.t. Face, confront.: Omu affruntatu è menzu pirdutu Source: Pitrè, III, 242.; Eng. The man who's confronted is halfway lost.

affurtunatu adj. Fortunate, lucky, successful.: Cui nasci affurtunatu, mori affurtunatu. Source: Bellantonio, II 192.; Eng. One who is born lucky, dies lucky.

agghiorna v.i. 3rd p.sing. of agghiurnari. Keep up to date, clear up, enlighten.: Fa' chi t'agghiorna e no chi ti scura.; Eng. Keep up with the times, don't stay in the dark.

agghiunciri v.t. Join, join together: Cu' agghiunci primu, metti lu porru. Source: Pitrè, III, 372.; Eng. The one who gets there first, plants the leek.; Note. Pitrè notes that this can also mean that the first one makes errors that the ones who follow will avoid.

agghiùttiri v.t. To swallow.: Agghiuttiri macari lu fumu di la lampa.; Eng. Eat everything that's offered. lit. Swallow even the smoke of the lamp.

aggiarniari v.i. To turn pale.: Quannu lu citrolu nesci di la sò casedda, aggiarnia. Source: Pitrè, III, 181.; Eng. When the fool ventures out of his element he is shamed.; Lit. When the cucumber comes out of its place it turns pale.

aggiustari v.t. Mend, repair, put in order.: Aggiustamu sta varca. Source: Traina, 1074.; Eng. Let's fix this mess.; Lit. Let's repair this boat.

aggravari v.t. To worsen, aggravate.: Quannu lu zitu nun voli la zita, s'aggrava a la doti.; Eng. He finds fault with the dowry when he doesn't want her as his fiancee.

àghiru adj. Sour, bitter.: Li parenti di lu maritu, Su' àghiri comu l'acitu, Li parenti di la mugghieri, Su' duci comu lu meli. Source: Bellantonio, II 154.; Eng. The husband's relatives are as bitter as vinegar, The wife's relatives are as sweet as honey.

agneddu n.m. Lamb.: Ad Agustu s'ammazzanu l'agneddi. Source: Pitrè, III, 5.; Eng. Lambs may be slaughtered in August. (Note by Pitrè: Viceroy Carlos de Aragòn ruled in 1573 that lambs may only be slaughtered from the first day in August to the fifteenth day of September of any year. It is also prohibited to use the hides of goats or sheep to make shoes.); A la finuta d'Agustu si cuntanu l'agneddi Source: Pitrè, III, 5.; Eng. Lambs are to be counted at the end of August. (Note: Another rule imposed on the herder by the Spanish rulers for the purpose of tax collection.); Ad Agust si vidi cu' havi boni agneddi. Source: Pitrè, III, 5.; Eng. In August we will see who has good lambs. (Note: Presumably, not all the newborn lambs survived until the August accounting.); Mori primu l'agneddu chi la pecura. Source: Bellantonio, II, 208.; Eng. The lamb dies before the sheep.

agnuni n.f. Corner, hiding place, secluded place.: 'Ntra l'agnuni, tutti cci piscianu. Source: Pitrè, III, 242.; Eng. Don't worry about what others do or don't do. Lit. Everyone pisses in the corner.

agùgghia n.f. Needle.: Caru vaja lu ferru, ch'haju 'n'agùgghia a vinniri. Source: Bellantonio, II 25.; Eng. I can go with a high price for iron, since I have a needle to sell.

agustu n.m. August.: Sparàgnami d'agustu chi in ottubri ti dugnu gustu.; Eng. Spare the ox in August so that it's ready to work in October.; L'acqua d'agustu fa ogghiu, meli e mustu.; Eng. August rain brings oil, honey and must.; Ad agustu s'ammàzzanu l'agneddi.; Eng. In August the lambs are slaughtered.

aiutari v.t. To help.: Quannu Diu ti voli aiutari, sinu a la casa ti veni a truvari.; Eng. When God wants to help you, God comes all the way to your house.; La furtuna ajuta lu riccu. Source: Pitrè, III, 262.; Eng. Good fortune helps the rich.; Veni lu tempu chi la rota vôta,; Ma 'un è sempri chi la furtuna ajuta. Source: Bellantonio, II 195.; Eng. Eventually the wheel of fortune turns,; But good fortune doesn't always help.

ajutarisi v.t. refl. To help oneself.: Ajutarisi cu li manu e cu li pedi.; Eng. Help yourself with everything you've got. lit. Help yourself with your hands and with your feet.; Ajùtati mentri pôi. Source: Pitrè, III, 190.; Eng. Help yourself while you can.

alàcci n.f. ichth. Anchovy.: Alàcci, leva li spini e rèstanu li 'mpacci.; Eng. Anchovy, remove the bones and be left with the bother.

àlberu n.m. Tree.: Chiddu è àlberu bonu, chi havi radici.; Eng. It's a good tree that has roots.

alburi n.m. first light.: Tanti stenni li pedi quantu àrburi teni. Source: Bellantonio, II, 110.; Eng. Extend your gait as far as the first light.

ali n.f. Wings.: Li dinari hannu l'ali. Source: Pitrè, III, 264.; Eng. Money has wings.

allarga v.t. Enlarge, widen, let out (a garment).: Unni monaci vidi allarga passu, e di parrini sintinni la missa.; Eng. Give monks a wide berth, and as for priests just attend Mass.

allattatu n.f. Whitened.: Muru allattatu è carta di mbriàchi. Source: Piccitto, II, 911.; Eng. A blank wall invites graffiti. Lit. A whitened wall is paper of drunkards.

alligrizza n.f. Happiness, joy.: La saluti veni di l'alligrizza di lu cori.; Eng. Health flows from the happiness of the heart.

allippari v.t. attach, affix.: Nun fidari dinari nè cappa,; A cui conusci chi cu tia 'un allippa. Source: Bellantonio, II 187.; Eng. Don't entrust money or mantle,; To someone you know is not attached to you.

allisci v.t. 3rd p.sing To pet, to flatter, to polish.: La fimmina é comu lu gattu: cchiù chi l'allisci, cchiù la cuda crisci.; Eng. A woman is like a cat: the more you pet her the better she feels.

alloggiu n.m. Accommodation, lodging: Cui prestu arriva, bonu alloggiu trova. Source: Pitrè, III, 375.; Eng. Early arrival finds good accommodations.; Cui tardu arriva, malu alloggiu trova. Source: Pitrè, III, 375.; Eng. Late arrival finds poor accommodations.

alluntanari v.t. To separate, to move away from, to distance.: Asini, donni e voi, nun t'alluntanari di li toi.; Eng. Don't let yourself get far away from your jackasses, women, and oxen.

amari v.t. To love, to prefer.: Amari e disamari nun sta a cui lu voli fari.; Eng. You don't choose whom to love and not love.

amaru adj. Bitter.: Cosi amari, tènili cari; cosi duci, tènili 'nchiusi.; Eng. Bitter things, hold them dear; sweet things, keep them enclosed.; Amara dda casa unni 'un trasi pani. Source: Pitrè, III, 253.; Eng. Bitter the house that lacks bread. Lit. Bitter the house where bread does not enter.

amati v.t. past part. Loved.: Vô essiri amati di li petri? Prima amari a Diu, poi mamma e patri.; Eng. If you want to be loved by all, first love God, then your mother and father.; Nuddu pò sapiri di cui è amatu,; Quannu si trova 'ntra filici statu. Source: Pitrè, III, 272.; Eng. You won't know who your friends are until you need them.; Lit. No one can know by whom they are loved,; While they find themselves in a happy state.

amici n.m. Friend.: Amicu cu tutti, e cunfidenti cu nuddu. Source: Bellantonio, II 183.; Eng. Be a friend to all, and confide in no one.; Quantu amici si pèrdinu, tanti scaluna si scìnninu.; Eng. As many friends you lose, that's how many steps you descend.; Cu' havi dinari, campa filici, e cui nun n'havi, perdi l'amici.; Eng. When you have money you live happily, when you don't you lose your friends; A li bisogni nun cc' è megghiu amici di li dinari Source: Pitrè, III, 252.; Eng. Where there's need, there's no better friend than money.; Amici poviri, amici pirduti. Source: Pitrè, III, 253.; Eng. Poor friends, lost friends.; Lu povir' omu è un amicu pirdutu Source: Pitrè, III, 253.; Eng. The poor man is a lost friend.

amicizia n.f. Friendship.: Nun tèniri amicizia cu li sbirri ca cci perdi lu vinu e li sicarri.; Eng. Don't maintain a friendship with cops because you'll lose your wine and your cigars.; Patti chiari, amicizia longa. Source: Bellantonio, II 187.; Eng. Clear pacts, long friendship.; Unni cc'è radicata la malizia, allignari 'un ci pò mai l'amicizia.; Eng. Where malice has taken root, friendship can never be formed.

amicu n.m. friend.: Pri canusciri un amicu reali, si cci havi a manciari 'na sarma di sali.; Eng. To recognize a real friend, you have to together have eaten three bushels of salt.; A to amicu veru parracci chiaru. Source: Bonner, 101.; Eng. To a true friend speak clearly.; Meaning: You should tell the truth to a true friend. Eng. trans. by Bonner.; Quannu si voli sèrviri l'amicu, si lassa jiri la robba a lu focu.; Eng. When you want to serve your friend, you can't worry about your belongings.; Quantu va 'n'amicu 'n chiazza, 'un ce va cent'unzi 'n cascia.; Eng. A trusted friend is a priceless treasure.; Nun cc'è cchiù caudu amicu di lu dinaru. Source: Pitrè, III, 267.; Eng. There is no better friend than money.

amistati n.f. friendship.: Spissu cuntu, longa amistati.; Eng. A frequent accounting, a long friendship.; Cu monaci e surdati nun cògghiri amistati.; Eng. Don't make friends with monks and soldiers.

amistati n.f. friendship.: Spissu cuntu, longa amistati.; Eng. A frequent accounting, a long friendship.

àmmaru n.m. Shrimp, bait.: Biddizza senza grazia è comu l'isca senz'àmmaru. Source: Pitrè, I, 162.; Eng. Beauty without grace is like a hook without bait.

ammàtula adv. Useless, in vain.: Ammatula t'alliffi e fa' cannola, bedda cci vo' viniri di natura. Source: Traina, 49.; Eng. EnterEnglishText.

ammazzari v.t. To kill.: Cui pri li figghi d'àutru s'ammazza, Scacciàticci la testa cu 'na mazza (Salaparuta). Source: Bellantonio, II 145.; Eng. Who kills himself for the children of others, Crack him on the head with a mallet.; A cui fa beni, ammazzalu. Source: Bellantonio, II 22.; Eng. The one who does good, kill him.

ammenna v.t. Reproach, correct, scold.: Cui pecca e poi s'ammenna, a Diu si raccumanna.; Eng. Who sins and then makes amends, trusts in God.

ammigghiurata adj. Better, improved.: A porta sirrata, opira ammigghiurata. Source: Pitrè, III, 192.; Eng. A locked door, better work.; ammizzigghiari

ammizzigghiari v.t. To spoil, coddle excessively.: Figghia di cattiva, 'mmizzigghiata. Source: Bellantonio, II 148.; Eng. Daughter of a widow, spoiled.

ammuccia v.t. 3rd p.sing. Hides, conceals.: Cu' ammuccia zoccu fa, è signu chi mali fa.; Eng. A secretive person is up to some mischief.

ammucciari v.t. To hide, to conceal, to secrete.: Amuri, biddizzi e dinari su' tri cosi ch' 'un si ponnu ammucciari.; Eng. Love, beauty and money are three things that can't be hidden.; Li dinari ammuccianu li difetti. Source: Pitrè, III, 264.; Eng. Maney hides defects.

ammutiri v.i. Become mute, speechless.: Quannu parranu li dinari, ognunu ammutisci.. Source: Pitrè, III, 275.; Eng. When money talks, everyone becomes speechless.

ammuttari v.t. Push, press, instigate, force.: Ddoppu la vinnigna si 'mmutta. Source: Pitrè, III, 386.; Eng. After the grape harvest, the grape press.

amu n.m.. Fishhook.: Jetta l'amu pri pigghiari lu pisci. Source: Pitrè, III, 201.; Eng. Cast your line to catch the fish. Lit. Throw the hook to get the fish.

amuri n.m. Love.: Amuri è amaru, ma ricría lu cori.; Eng. Love is bitter, but it comforts the heart.; Amuri è dintra e nun vi nn'addunati: lu vuliti cacciari e nun putiti.; Eng. Love entered and you didn't realize it: you wanted to drive it out but you couldn't.; Amuri novu caccia amuri vecchiu.; Eng. New love discards old love.; Amuri nun senti cunsigghi.; Eng. Love doesn't listen to advice.; Amuri tannu è beddu, quannu è un pocu stizzateddu.; Eng. Love is the more beautiful when it is a little irritated.; Amuri, tussi e fumu nun si ponnu tèniri cilati.; Eng. Love, coughing, and smoke can't be kept concealed.; Amuri, tutti dìcinu ch'è amaru, e ognunu voli pruvari siddu è veru.; Eng. Love, everyone says it's bitter, but everyone wants to see for themselves if it's true.; Benchì l'amuri novu trova locu, scurdari nun si pò l'amuri anticu.; Eng. Although there's a new love, the old love can't be forgotten.; Tantu si trova amuri sutta lana quantu sutta sita. Source: Piccitto, II, 429.; Eng. Wealth is not what makes gentility.; Lit. As much love is found under wool as under silk.

anca n.f. Hip, side, thigh, leg.: Addùmami la lampa,; E poi mànciami l'anca. Source: Bellantonio, II 23.; Eng. Let's satisfy our obligation,; And then we'll eat.; Avanti chi la vecchia l'anca stira,; Lu picciottu si nni va prima (Vittoria). Source: Bellantonio, II, 208.; Eng. Before the old woman stretches her leg,; The child has gone off.

ancilina adv. loc. Left fallen.: L'oliva lassata all'ancilina, nun jinchi né visazza né sacchettina.; Eng. Uncollected olives, left to the elements, fill neither the saddle bag nor the waist pack

annata n.f. Year, voyage.: La bona annata veni pri tutti. Source: Pitrè, I, 279.; Eng. A good year comes for all.; Ddoppu l'annata tinta, veni la bona. Source: Pitrè, I, 277.; Eng. After a bad year, comes a good year.

annigarisi v.tr. Drown oneself.: Annigarisi 'nt' on gottu d'acqua. Source: Traina, 444.; Eng. To perish over a trifle.; Lit. To drown oneself in a mug of water.

annittari v.t. To clean, purge, empty.: Cu' addiserta annetta; e cui spinna, mori. Source: Pitrè, Vol, Page.; Eng. Who miscarries, cleans; and who yearns for, dies.

annu n.m. Year.: Pani d'un jornu e vinu d'un annu.; Eng. Eat today's bread and last year's wine.; Anni e piccati su' cchiù di quantu si dicinu. Source: Bellantonio, II, 208.; Eng. Age and peccadillos are usually more than stated.

antividiri v.t. Foresee, predict: Si campari vôi sicura, antividi lu futuru. Source: Pitrè, III, 369.; Eng. If it's certainty that you want, predict the future.; Voi ca ti 'mbizzi a nun falliri?; Pensa a lu passatu e all'avviniri. Source: Pitrè, III, 370.; Eng. Do you want to learn how not to err?; Think of the past and the future.

apa n.f. Bee.: Apa di giugnu, oj ti viji e dumani sdugnu.; Eng. The June bee promises lots of honey.

apparenza n.f. Appearance.: L'apparenza inganna. Source: Bellantonio, II 134.; Eng. Appearance deceives.; Eng. Note: See the Giovanni Meli poem from Rinnina e lu Parpagghiuni.

appiccicari v.i. To climb up, to light a fire, to incite.: Du' tizzuna astutati nun ponnu appiccicari. Source: Traina, 1035.; Eng. You can't re-ignite two embers. Said of two former lovers.

appigghia v.t. 3rd p.sing. Burns, seizes, grasps at.: Lu veru amuri 'ntra lu cori appigghia, megghiu di la linazza e di la pagghia.; Eng. In the heart, true love burns better than flax and straw.; 'Nvanu si doli cui disprezza e s'appigghia a lu mali. Source: Pitrè, III, 188.; Eng. It's useless to be concerned for one who scorns advice and grasps at evil.; Cu' n'appi, n'appi, cassateddi di Pasqua. Source: Zinna, 126.; Eng. Carpe diem, (seize the day).; Lit. Who seizes, seizes, the Easter delicasies.

appoja v.t. 3rd p.sing. of appuiari. Support.: Si la dota nun l'appoja, nun la voli mancu lu boja.; Eng. If the dowry doesn't support her, even the executioner is disinterested.; Cui mali s'appoja, prestu cadi.; Eng. Who poorly supports himself, soon falls.

apprenni v.t. 3rd p.sing. To learn.: Cui sta a mastru e nun apprenni, o è asinu o si finci. Source: Bellantonio, II 128.; Eng. Who stays at the master's and learns not his art, is either a jackass or is playing the part.; Cui prattica e nun 'mprinni,; O è asinu o si vinni. Source: Pitrè, III, 318.; Eng. Who practices and doesn't learn,; Is either a jackass or has given up.; Note. 'mprinni for 'mprenni, 'pprenni, apprenni.

appressu adj. After, following.: Si spenni largu, ti vennu d'appressu. Source: Pitrè, III, 277.; Eng. If you spend widely, you'll have a following.

appressu adv. Then, later.: Cui giudiziu mai ha tinutu e di trenta poi nu nn' ha,; Certu, appressu mai nn' avrà. Source: Bellantonio, II, 210.; Eng. One who has never been judicious and at thirty has nothing,; Surely, later will never have anything.

aprili n.m. April.: Patruni gintili, dammi pagghia pri tuttu aprili.; Eng. Kind master, give me hay for all of April.; Acqua d'aprili lu porcu ocidi, lu voi 'ngrassa e la pècura ridi.; Eng. During April rainfalls the pig gets butchered, the oxen gets fattened and the sheep laughs.; Aprili fa li ciuri e le biddizzi, l'onuri l'havi lu misi di maju.; Eng. April makes the flowers and the beauty, but May gets all the credit. Or, April showers bring May flowers.

Aragona n.f. Aragona..: Pri mènnuli muddisi a l'Aragona, e pri picciotti beddi a la Favara.; Eng. For tender almonds go to Aragona, for beautiful young girls go to Favara.

aranciu n.m. Orange, orange tree.: A sant'Annirìa l'aranciu giarnia.; Eng. By St. Andrea Day the orange ripens.; Aranci aranci!; Cu' havi li guai, si li chianci. Source: Bellantonio, II 24.; Eng. Oranges oranges!; Whoever has troubles, can cry over them.; Note. An expression of not caring. Oranges are only used here for the rhyme (aranci and chianci).

aratu n.m. Plow.: Avanti voi nun mittiti aratu. Source: Pitrè, III, 366.; Eng. Don't put the plow before the ox.

arcu n.m. Rainbow, bow, arch.: Arcu siritìnu fa bon tempu a lu matinu, arcu matinali jinchi pùzzura e funtani.; Eng. An evening rainbow means good weather in the morning, a rainbow in the morning fills wells and fountains.

ardiri v.t. Ignite, light, burn, provoke, irritate.: Amuri è focu chi cuntìnuu adduma, Ardu lu zuccu e cunzuma la rama. Source: Piccitto, IV, 64.; Eng. Love is a fire always aglow, It ignites the trunk and consumes the branch.; A cui cci ardi la spina, si la scippa. Source: Bellantonio, II 22.; Eng. The one who's bothered by a splinter, let him pull it out himself.

argentu n.m. Silver, coin, money.: L'argentu porta l'omu a lu 'nfernu. Source: Pitrè, III, 263.; Eng. Money is the root of all evil.; Lit. Silver brings man to hell.; Lu fini di l'argentu porta l'omu a lu 'nfernu e iddu resta fora. Source: Pitrè, III, 263.; Eng. In the end, money leads a man to hell, but it remains outside.

aricchia n.f. Ear.: Cci sunnu asini assai d'aricchi curti. Source: Bellantonio, II 133.; Eng. There are many jackasses with short ears.

arìganu n.m. Oregano, marjoram.: Arìganu e puleju, s'unu è tintu, l'àutru è peju.; Eng. Oregano and wild mint, if one does poorly, the other is worse.

ariu n.m. Sky.: Ariu russu a lu matinu, marinaru attentu. Ariu russu siritinu, marinaru dilettu.; Eng. A red sky in the morning--sailor take warning. A red sky at night--a sailor's delight. Tr note: English wording from J. T. Dieli, Jr.

arma n.f. Soul.: Un' arma avemu; si la pirdému, comu facemu?; Eng. We have one soul; if we lose it, how will we manage? Or, We have but one soul to lose.; Biatu cui pri l'arma si prucura.; Eng. Blessed is the one who cares for his soul.

armatura n.f. Weaponry, armor, armament.: Contra la morti nun vali armatura.; Eng. Weapons are useless against death.

armisanti n.f. excl. Holy souls. Also a bread roll made in a special form to be given in charity.: Armisanti! Arricogghi unu e màncianu tanti.; Eng. Holy souls! One of them gathers and many eat.

arragghiari v.i. To bray.: Asinu ch'arragghia, mancia pocu fenu. Source: Pitrè, III, 192.; Eng. A jackass that brays, eats little hay.; Sceccu ch'arragghia, 'un mancia pagghia. Source: Pitrè, III, 231.; Eng. The donkey that's braying, is not eating straw.

arraspari v.t To grate, scratch.: Biatu cu' s'arrasp'a testa ccu 'i so manu.; Eng. Blessed is he who scratches his head with his own hand. (Said of someone who is self-sufficient.; Arraspa a lu to amicu unni cci mancia. Source: Bonner, 86.; Eng. Scratch your friend where he itches.; Meaning: Help your friend in the way that will help him best, (and of course he's expected to scratch you where you itch). Eng. trans by Bonner.

arrassu adv. and prep. Far away, far from.: Quannu vidi cchiù cani supra un ossu, la megghiu cosa è faritilla arrassu.; Eng. When you see many dogs at a bone, it's best to make yourself scarce.; Cavaleri, parrinu e malu passu, dinni beni e stanni arrassu.; Eng. Cavaliers, priests, and dangerous places, speak nicely about them but keep your distance.; Si vo' passari 'a vita cuntenti, vivi arrassu di li parenti.; Eng. For a happy life, live far away from your relatives.; Di li toi, arrassu quantu pòi. Source: Pitrè, I, 323.; Eng. Stay as far away as you can, from your relatives.; Lu ferru s'ardi, e nun pari d'arrassu.. Source: Bellantonio, II 136.; Eng. The iron burns hot, and it's not apparent from afar.

arri archaic. Meaning is lost in Sicilian antiquity.: Arri cu li toi. Source: Bellantonio, II 140.; Eng. Arri with your own. Tr. note: Pitrè explains that the word is now obsolete and its meaning is lost. Furthermore it is only heard in humorous disparagement or resentment, as Arri mula! He refers the reader to the proverb Pari cu pari in his chapter on Compagnia in Volume I. Traina, in apparent agreement, defines arri as a word used to urge beasts to walk.

arricchiri v.i.t. To get rich, to enrich.: Cu' prestu arricchisci, fa assai dubbitari.; Eng. One who gets rich quickly arouses suspicion.

arricogghi v.t. 3rd p.sing. Harvests.: Cui bonu simìna, megghiu arricogghi.; Eng. Seed well and harvest better.

arrifriscari v.t. Cool, refresh.: L'acqui di San Gaitanu arrifriscanu lu chianu. Source: Pitrè, III, 31.; Eng. The rains of San Gaetano (Aug 7) cool the plain. Note: It's normally extremely hot in August.

arriminari v.t. Stir, mix.: Li guai di la pignata, o tinta o bona,; Li sapi la cucchiara ch' arrimina. Source: Bellantonio, II 179.; Eng. The pot's concerns, whether good or bad,; Are known by the spoon that does the mixing.

arrinesci v.t. 3rd p.sing. Succeeds, brings to a good end.: Cui nesci, arrinesci.; Eng. Who ventures forth, succeeds.

arrinigari v.t. Deny, disown, repudiate.: Li dinari fannu arrinigari. Source: Pitrè, III, 264.; Eng. Money buys denials.

arrisicari v.t. Risk.: Pri l'oru s'arrisica tuttu; lu pani, l'onuri, la vita. Source: Pitrè, iii, 274.; Eng. We risk everything for riches; sustenance, honor, life itself.; Lit. For gold everything is risked, bread, honor, life.

arrisorbiri v.t. Resolve, settle.: Cu' arrisorvi, nun mori. Source: Pitrè, III, 372.; Eng. Who settles, doesn't die.

arrispittari v.t. To respect, to treat well.: Cui parenti 'un arrispetta, Jorna laidi a lu 'nfernu aspetta (Salaparuta). Source: Bellantonio, II 145.; Eng. Ugly days in hell await the one who doesn't treat his relatives with respect.

arristari v.i. Remain, stop, stay, last.: Mogghi onesta, tisoru ch'arresta, mogghi trista è peju di la pesta.; Eng. An honest wife is a treasure that lasts, a sad wife is worse than the plague.; Li santi si ficiru, e li diavulu arristàru Source: Bellantonio, II 186.; Eng. The saints were made and the devils remained.; Pitrè's note: Therefore one must guard against the devils that remain.

arritirari v.t. To restrain, hold back.: Cui nun teni la figghia arritirata, La 'nvia a mala strata. Source: Bellantonio, II 145.; Eng. If you fail to restrain your daughter, you'll lead her astray.

arrivari v.i. Arrive, catch up with, reach, succeed.: Si cacci lu sceccu, tardu arrivi; si camina tardu, prestu arrivi.; Eng. If you urge the donkey on, you'll arrive late, if you let the donkey amble, you'll arrive early.; Cui prestu arriva, vinci la battagghia. Source: Pitrè, III, 375.; Eng. The one who arrives early, wins the battle.; Cui tardu arriva, trova l' ossa. Source: Pitrè, III, 376.; Eng. The one who gets there late, finds bones.

arrubbari v.t. Rob, steal.: 'A robba arrubbatu non luci.; Eng. Stolen goods don't shine.; Note. Because they're kept hidden to avoid being discovered.; Cu' arrobba pri manciari 'un fa piccatu. Source: Pitrè, I, 198.; Eng. Stealing to eat is not sinful.; Arrubari a li latri 'un è piccatu. Source: Bellantonio, II 198.; Eng. Stealing from thieves is not a sin.; Cu' arrobba havi robba; Cu' 'n arrobba, nun ha robba. Source: Bellantonio, II 198.; Eng. Who steals has things; Who doesn't steal, doesn't have things.

arrussicari v.i. Blush.: Megghiu una vota arrussicari, ca centu voti aggiarniari. Source: Pitrè, III, 228.; Eng. It's better to fess up quickly than to live in fear that your mistake will be discovered. Lit. It's better to blush one time than to turn pale a hundred times.; Diu ti guardi di facci ch' 'un arrussica. Source: Pitrè, III, 281.; Eng. God protect you from faces that don't blush..

arsu adj. Burned.: Arsu sia cui s'ardi. Source: Bellantonio, II 24.; Eng. One who gets angry will get burned.

artaru n.m. Altar.: Scummigghiari un' artaru pri cummiggiarinni 'n' autru.; Eng. Stealing from Peter to pay Paul. Lit. Uncovering one altar to cover another.; L' artaru si nun si guasta nun si conza.; Eng. Don't fix it if it's not broken. Lit. If the altar isn't disheveled, don't redecorate it.

àrvulu n.m. Tree.: Àrvulu 'mmenzu li strati, di tutti su' cutulati.; Eng. The trees in the middle of the road are shaken by everyone.; Àrvulu ch'un fa fruttu, tàgghialu di pedi.; Eng. If the tree doesn't bear fruit, cut it off at the base.; Àrvulu tagliatu è menzu pigghiatu.; Eng. The tree that's cut down is half taken.; Cu' ama l'arvulu ama la rama.. Source: Bellantonio, II 141.; Eng. Love me. love my dog. Lit. Who loves the tree loves the branch.

asciutti v.t. Dry.: Asciutti li pedi, càuda la testa,; E di lu restu campa di bestia. Source: Pitrè, IV, 5.; Eng. Keep your feet dry and your head warm,; Let the rest take care of itself.

ascuta v.t. 3rd p.sing. Listens.: Cui nun pò dari ajutu, 'nvanu ascuta.; Eng. Who can't help, listens in vain.

ascutari v.t. To listen.: Cui voli giudicari, li parti voli ascutari.; Eng. Who wants to judge needs to listen to both sides.; Ascuta a li vecchi, cà 'un cci la sgarri. Source: Bellantonio, II, 208.; Eng. Listen to the old and you won't go astray.

asinu n.m. Jackass, donkey, ass.: Si lu riccu nun fussi asinu, lu poviru nun campirria. Source: Pitrè, III, 277.; Eng. If the rich man were not a jackass, the poor man would not be able to survive.; Ed hai l'asinu e vai a pedi? Source: Pitrè, III, 373.; Eng. You travel on foot, and you have a donkey?

aspittari v.t. Wait.: L'acqua e la morti, aspettala ca veni. Source: Zinna, 118.; Eng. Nothing is certain but death and taxes.; Lit. Rain and death, wait, for it will come.; Cu' havi tempu, nun aspittassi tempu. Source: Pitrè, III, 373.; Eng. Don't waste your time.

aspetta v.t. 3rd p.sing. Awaits, expects.: Sirviziu fattu mircedi aspetta.; Eng. The service is rendered, the goods awaited.; Tempu 'un aspetta tempu. Source: Pitrè, III, 373.; Eng. Time waits for no man.; Cui tempu aspetta, tempu perdi. Source: Pitrè, III, 374.; Eng. The one who waits for time, loses time.

aspittari v.t. Await, expect.: Lu beni chi lassi di fari,; Mai cchiù l' aspittari. Source: Pitrè, III, 379.; Eng. Don't expect a second chance,; Eng. To do the good that you put off.

assai adv. A lot, much more.: Addimanna sempri assai, chi a calari cci sarrai.; Eng. Always ask a higher price, because you can always lower it.; Cui servi beni e taci, assai dumanna.; Eng. Who serves well and quietly, expects a lot.; Cci voli assai pri fari nenti. Source: Pitrè, III, 193.; Eng. It takes a lot to do nothing.; Tanti picca fannu assai Source: Bellantonio, II, 110.; Eng. A lot of littles make a lot.; A picca a picca si forma l'assai Source: Bellantonio, II, 110.; Eng. Little by little you get a lot.

assartari v.t. Storm (mil), raid, hold up.: Omu assartatu, è menzu pigghiatu. Source: Pitrè, III, 242.; Eng. The man who is held up has half lost.

assèquii n.m. Respect, reverance.: Supra lu mortu si canta l'assèquii. Source: Bellantonio, II 20.; Eng. Reverance is sung over the dead.

assicura v.t. 3rd p.sing. Protects, assures.: Cani ch'abbaia, t'assicura.; Eng. Barking of the dogs, protects you.

assicutari v.t. To chase, to run after, to pursue.: Cui du' lebbri voli assicutari, né l'unu né l'àutru pò pigghiari.; Eng. If you try to chase both rabbits, you'll catch neither one.

assicutatu v.t. past p. Pursued.: L'assicutatu curri cu quattru pedi, l'assicutaturi cu dui.; Eng. The pursued runs on four feet, the pursuer on two.

assimigghia v.i. 3rd p.sing. Resembles, looks like, is like.: Nuddu ti pigghia s'un t'assimigghia.; Eng. No one will choose you if they're not like you.; Lu figghiu assimigghia a lu patri, e la figghia a la matri. Source: Bellantonio, II 155.; Eng. Like father like son, and like mother like daughter.

assittari v.t. Sit.: Cu s'assetta ntra du seggi sbatti lu culu n terra. Source: Bonner, 101.; Eng. He who sits down on two chairs will bump his ass on the ground.; Meaning: You can't please two people at once. You can't serve two masters. Eng. trans. by Bonner.

assuppari v.t. Wet, soak.: Acqua di Maju assuppa viddani, e signuri quantu nni 'ncontra. Source: Pitrè, III, 4.; Eng. The rains of May soak the peasants, and as many of the masters that may be encountered.

assuttigghiari v.t. Sharpen.

assuttigghiari v.i. Hiccup, sob.: Cui tardu arriva, multu s' assuttigghia. Source: Pitrè, III, 376.; Eng. Whoever arrives late, will have much to sob about.

astutari v.t. To extinguish, to put out.: Lu focu astuta lu focu. Source: Bellantonio, II 13.; Eng. Fight fire with fire. Lit. Fire puts out fire.; Ti vô' 'nsignari a 'stutari lu focu? Pigghia ligna di sutta e metti 'n capu. Source: Bellantonio, II 14.; Eng. Do you want to learn how to put out a fire? Take wood from underneath and put it on top.

astutu adj. Astute.: Lu riccu è dottu e lu riccuni è astutu. Source: Pitrè, III, 271.; Eng. A rich man is a learned man, a very rich man is astute.

attacca v.t. 3rd p.sing. Tie.: Attacca l'asinu unni voli lu patruni; vegna lu lupu e si lu pozza manciari.; Eng. Do as you're told, don't take on someone else's responsibility.; Lit. Tie the donkey where the owner wants, the wolf comes and can eat it.; Cui prumetti s'atacca. Source: Pitrè, III, 281.; Eng. Every promise is a debt to be paid.; Lit. Who promises, ties himself.

attenniri v.i. Attend to, accomplish.: Cu' assai prumetti pocu attenni. Source: Pitrè, III, 281.; Eng. More words than action. lit. Who promises a lot attends to little.; Cui tantu ti prumetti, poco t'attenni. Source: Pitrè, III, 281.; Eng. Who promises you much, will do little for you.

attristari v.t. Become unhappy.: Di figghioli màsculi nun t'alligrari, nè di fimmina t'attristari. Source: Bellantonio, II 147.; Eng. Don't celebrate male children nor lament female children.

attuppari v.t.. Cork, plug up, cover.: Ogni pirtusa attuppa lu dinaru. Source: Pitrè, III, 273.; Eng. Money plugs up every hole.; Li dinari attuppanu l'occhi a li santi. Source: Pitrè, III, 264.; Eng. Money covers the eyes of the saints.

auguru n.m. Good wishes, good fortune.: Cui simìna terri forti, havi certi auguru e sorti.; Eng. Who sows well the ground, is assured good fortune and luck.

ausari v.i. Venture, dare, lift, leave.: Cu' ausa trova. Source: Traina, 101; Bellantonio, II, 108.; Eng. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.; Eng. Who saves, finds.; Lit. Who ventures finds.

àutru pron. Someone else, some other.: Cui si vesti di la robba d'àutru, prestu si spogghia.; Eng. Who dresses in some other's clothes, will soon undress.; Miseru cu'n'autru havi bisognu. Source: Pitrè, II.; Eng. Unfortunate is the one who has need of another.; Àutru fu lu piccaturi ed autru nni fa la pinitenza.; Eng. One was the sinner but another did the penance.

àutru adj. Other, another: Àutru è diri, àutru è fari. Source: Pitrè, II.; Eng. It's more easily said than done.; Lit. It's one thing to say and another to do.

autunnu n.m. Autumn.: L'autunnu duci fa cutugna e zorbi. Source: Traina, 102.; Eng. Some things are meant to be tart.; Lit. A sweet autumn makes quince and sorb-apples.

avantari v.refl. Swagger, vaunt, brag.: Avàntati quannu si' sulu;; Avanti genti, nun diri nenti. Source: Pitrè, III, 315.; Eng. Brag when you're alone;; Otherwise don't.

avantau v.t. past p. of avantari. Boasted.: Mai nuddu s'avantau chi caru 'un ci custau. Source: Pitrè, III, 179.; Eng. No one ever boasted without paying dearly.

avanti adv. Better, rather, quite.: Avanti cummattiri cu centu mariola, ca c'un babbu! Source: Cipolla, 18.; Eng. It's better to struggle with one hundred con artists than with a single stupid man! Trans. by Cipolla.

avanti prep. Beforehand, prior to.: Cui paga li grana avanti, mancia pisci fitenti. Source: Alaimo, 96.; Eng. Who pays in advance eats stinking fish.; Franklin. He that pays for work before it's done, has but a pennyworth for twopence.

avaru n.m. Miser.: Lu 'mpurtunu vinci l'avaru. Source: Bellantonio, II 20.; Eng. Pestering overcomes the miser.; Avaru di canigghia e sfragaru di farina. Source: Traina, 103.; Eng. Penny wise and pound foolish.; L'avuru nun è patruni di li soi beni ma nn'è procuraturi. Source: Traina, 103.; Eng. The miser is not the owner of his goods but the guardian.

aviri v.i. To have.: Nun aviri cunti cu monaci e parrini.; Eng. Have no dealings with monks and priests.; Cu' accumenza e poi stanca,; È comu s' 'un avissi accuminzatu Source: Bellantonio, II 17.; Eng. One who begins and then tires,; Is like one who had never started.; Tantu chianciu Gunnedda,; Fina ch'appi la cassatedda. Source: Bellantonio, II 20.; Eng. Gunnedda cried so much,; Until she got the pastry.; Tantu chianciu Minnedda,; Sinu ch'appi la cudduredda. Source: Bellantonio, II 20.; Eng. Minnedda cried so much,; Until she got the focaccio.; Tantu gridau lu tignusu,; Pri sina ch'appi lu cappeddu. Source: Bellantonio, II 20.; Eng. The brat screamed so much,; Until he got the hat.; Note. These three proverbs are used in reference to a long time love that finally triumphs over all obstacles.; Cu' havi lu mortu dintra, si lu chianci;; Cu' havi lu saccu chinu, si lu spinci. Source: Bellantonio, II 25.; Eng. Who suffers a death, grieves;; Eng. Who has a full sack, lifts it.; Cui cchiù havi, cchiù voli. Source: Bellantonio, II 25.; Eng. The more you have, the more you want.; Cu' havi mancia, e cu' 'n' havi talìa. Source: Bellantonio, II 25.; Eng. Who has, eats, who doesn't, looks.; Note. Proverbs that express selfishness.

aviri v.t. To own, as property, wealth.: Tristu è l'aviri chi lu patruni 'un vidi.; Eng. Unfortunate is the property that the owner doesn't oversee.; Riccu si pò diri cui campa cu lu so' aviri.; Eng. One who lives within his means can be said to be rich.

avvertiri v.t. Warn, note, call, manage.: Avverti beni, ca lu tempu manca. Source: Pitrè, III, 372.; Eng. Mark well, for time is fleeting.

avvilisciri v.i. get discouraged.: Cori ben natu 'un s'avvilisci mai. Source: Bellantonio, II 17.; Eng. The stout hearted never get discouraged.

azioni n.f. Acts, action.: Ognunu è figghiu di l'azioni soi. Source: Pitrè, I, 346; Eng. Everyone is responsible for their own acts.

azzalori n.f.pl. bot. Loquat, medlar.: Li cutugna pri l'èrrami ziti, l'azzalori (nèspulu) pri l'omini boni.; Eng. The quince is for quarreling fiancées, the loquat for good people.

azzappa v.t. 3rd p.sing. Hoe.: Cu azzappa, azzappa a la sò vigna.; Eng. The hoer hoes in his own vineyard.

azzaru n.m. Steel.: Lu signuri di pagghia si mancia un vassallu di azzaru.; Eng. A weak master can lord it over a servant of steel.; Lit. A master made of straw can eat up a vassal of steel.

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