Meaning
Even something humble, lowly, or looked-down-upon can solve a big problem or serve an important purpose. Dirty water is despised, yet it will cool a piece of red-hot iron just as well as clean water. A reminder not to scorn the poor, the plain, or the unlikely — they may be exactly what you need.
Examples
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Nuh look down pon di small helper — dutty water can cool hot iron.
Don't look down on the humble helper — even the lowly can solve a big problem.
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Di quiet one save di day; dutty water can cool hot iron.
The overlooked one saved the day; the humble can do great things.
Origin
A traditional proverb; even dirty water quenches hot iron. See [[mawga-dog]], [[rockstone-a-riverbottom]].
How it’s used
Don't scorn the humble/lowly; they can serve a great purpose. See [[mawga-dog]].