Common Proverbs and Idioms in Cypriot Greek

Here are some common proverbs and idioms used in Cypriot Greek (the everyday dialect spoken in Cyprus), with their meanings:

«Κάμε το καλό και ρίξε το στο γιαλό»: Do good and throw it into the sea. Do good without expecting anything in return.

«Όποιος βιάζεται, σκοντάφτει» :He who hurries, stumbles. Rushing leads to mistakes — take your time.

«Η γλώσσα κόκαλα δεν έχει, μα κόκαλα τσακίζει»: The tongue has no bones, yet it breaks bones. Words can hurt more than physical blows.

«Τα πολλά λόγια είναι φτώχεια»: Too many words are poverty. Talking too much is worthless — actions matter more.

«Το μήλο κάτω από τη μηλιά πέφτει»: The apple falls under the apple tree. Children turn out like their parents.

«Έσιει τον διάολο μέσα του»: He has the devil inside him. Said about a mischievous, restless or naughty person (especially a child).

«Που ξέρει, ξέρει — που εν ξέρει, εν να μάθει»: He who knows, knows — he who doesn’t, will learn. Experience is the best teacher.

These expressions are still heard daily in Cypriot homes and villages — short, sharp, and full of life experience.