Meaning
If your hand is in the devil's mouth, take it out gently. When you are caught in a dangerous situation or at the mercy of a powerful, dangerous person, extract yourself carefully and tactfully rather than provoking them — handle danger with patience, not force.
Examples
-
Yuh owe di wrong people money — if yuh hand inna devil mout, tek it out easy.
You owe the wrong people money — get yourself out of it carefully, not rashly.
-
Don't rush di boss when yuh need di reference; if yuh hand inna devil mout, tek it out easy.
Don't provoke the boss when you need the reference; extract yourself tactfully.
-
She handle di dangerous situation wid care; if yuh hand inna devil mout, tek it out easy.
She handled the dangerous situation with care; ease out of danger gently.
Origin
A vivid image: a hand between the devil's teeth must be withdrawn slowly and carefully, lest the jaws snap shut — a figure for escaping danger by tact rather than force.
How it’s used
Advice on extracting yourself from a dangerous or compromising situation with caution and diplomacy.