Chicken merry, hawk deh near
Also spelled: chicken merry hawk deh near, when chicken merry hawk deh near
Meaning
When you are carelessly happy and off your guard, danger may be close by. A caution not to let excitement or good times make you reckless.
Examples
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“Dem a celebrate loud an leave di door open. Chicken merry, hawk deh near.”
They're celebrating loudly and left the door open. When the chicken is merry, the hawk is near.
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“Enjoy yuhself but stay alert — chicken merry, hawk deh near.”
Enjoy yourself but stay alert — careless joy invites danger.
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“Him win a money an start show off. Chicken merry, hawk deh near.”
He won some money and started showing off. Careless happiness draws trouble.
Origin
A rural Jamaican image: a hawk preys on chickens that are too busy scratching and clucking happily to notice it circling above.
How it's used
A warning about complacency, often said when someone is being too carefree or flashy.