Meaning
Seize the first opportunity that comes, because you can't be sure another will follow. The hog, rarely getting the chance to bathe, washes in the very first water it finds rather than waiting for cleaner water later. A proverb urging you to grab a chance while you have it.
Examples
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Di work offer come, mek mi tek it — hog say di first water him ketch, him wash.
The job offer came, let me take it — seize the first chance you get.
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Nuh wait fi betta; hog say di first water him ketch, him wash.
Don't wait for better; take the first opportunity.
Origin
A traditional proverb; the hog bathes in the first water it gets. See [[soon-come]], [[one-day-one-day]].
How it’s used
Seize the first opportunity; don't wait for a better one. See [[soon-come]], [[hustling]].