Every mikkle mek a mukkle
Also spelled: every mickle mek a muckle, every likkle mek a mukkle
Meaning
Every little bit adds up to a lot — small amounts saved or gathered steadily become something large. An encouragement to value small contributions and to save patiently.
Examples
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“Put weh a likkle money each week; every mikkle mek a mukkle.”
Put away a little money each week; every little bit adds up.
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“Nuh badda seh it too small — every mikkle mek a mukkle.”
Don't say it's too little — every little bit makes a lot.
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“Wi save slow but sure, every mikkle mek a mukkle.”
We save slowly but surely, every little bit counts.
Origin
An old saying, related to the Scots proverb 'many a mickle makes a muckle', where mickle and muckle mean a small and a large amount. It travelled to Jamaica through British settlement and took local form.
How it's used
A favourite for teaching thrift and patience to children. Widely known across the Caribbean and beyond.