Duppy know who fi frighten
Also spelled: duppy know who to frighten, duppy know who fe frighten
Meaning
Bullies and troublemakers pick on those they know won't fight back. Just as a ghost is said to frighten only the timid, people who intimidate others choose their targets carefully — the meek, not the bold.
Examples
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“Him only trouble di quiet one dem. Duppy know who fi frighten.”
He only bothers the quiet ones. A bully knows who won't resist.
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“Dem wouldn't try dat wid a bad man. Duppy know who fi frighten.”
They wouldn't try that with a tough guy. Troublemakers know whom to pick on.
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“Stand up fi yuhself, for duppy know who fi frighten.”
Stand up for yourself, because bullies target the meek.
Origin
'Duppy' is a Jamaican word for a ghost or spirit (from a West African, likely Ga or Twi, root). The proverb draws on the belief that a duppy only frightens those who fear it.
How it's used
Said about bullying and intimidation, often to urge someone to show they won't be an easy target.