Meaning
'Cross di river before yuh cuss di alligator' — do not curse the alligator until you have crossed the river. Do not insult or fall out with someone whose help you still need, the proverb warns: hold your tongue and stay on good terms until you are safely past the point where they can hurt you. It counsels patience and prudence in dealing with a danger or a powerful person, keeping the peace until you no longer depend on them and are truly beyond their reach to strike back.
Examples
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Nuh quarrel wid di boss yet; cross di river before yuh cuss di alligator.
Don't quarrel with the boss yet; don't fall out with him while you still need him.
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Wait till di deal done — cross di river before yuh cuss di alligator.
Wait until the deal is done — stay civil until you're clear.
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Him cuss off him helper too soon; yuh fi cross di river first.
He fell out with his helper too soon; you should get clear of the danger first.
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Nuh badmouth di boss while yuh still need di job; man weh nuh dun cross di river nuh fi cuss alligata.
Don't badmouth the boss while you still need the job; don't provoke danger before you're clear of it.
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Wait till yuh safe before yuh talk up; man weh nuh dun cross di river nuh fi cuss alligata.
Wait until you're safe before you speak out; don't insult the threat while it can still reach you.
Origin
A vivid image: while you are still in the water with the alligator, it is folly to provoke it — wait until you reach the far bank and are out of its reach.
How it’s used
Advice on timing and prudence — keep the peace with those you depend on until you no longer need them.