As They Say In Zanzibar

And now for the return of my selection of proverbs from nations around the globe. My sister is currently teaching in China and in her honour, each of these bon mots originate in China. I chose some of these as truisms but others I chose primarily for their quirkiness or humour. The trick is interpreting all of these correctly...

It is not economical to go to bed early to save the candles if the result is twins.

Never feed a dog with corn, nor attempt to pick your teeth with a pair of scissors.

Add legs to the snake after you have finished drawing it.

Those who have free seats at a play hiss first.

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the one doing it.

Even a mole may instruct a philosopher on the art of digging.

A bit of fragrance always clings to the hand that gives you roses.

Have a mouth as sharp a as dagger, but a heart as soft as tofu.

Carrying-poles which bend easily do not break.

You cannot prevent the birds of sadness from flying overhead, but you can prevent them from nesting in your hair.

A bird does not sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song.

Teachers open the door; you enter by yourself.

Reference: As They Say In Zanzibar