In English
“a man who hasn't finished crossing the river shouldn't curse the alligator”
Meaning
'Man weh nuh dun cross di river nuh fi cuss alligata' — a man who has not yet finished crossing the river should not curse the alligator. Don't provoke or insult a danger while you are still exposed to it, the proverb warns: hold your tongue and your temper until you are safely out of harm's reach. To rail at the alligator while still in its water is folly, and the saying counsels patience and prudence, keeping the peace with a threat until you are truly beyond its power to strike back.
Examples
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Nuh badmouth di boss while yuh still need di job; man weh nuh dun cross di river nuh fi cuss alligata.
Don't badmouth the boss while you still need the job; don't provoke danger before you're clear of it.
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Wait till yuh safe before yuh talk up; man weh nuh dun cross di river nuh fi cuss alligata.
Wait until you're safe before you speak out; don't insult the threat while it can still reach you.
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Him vex di wrong people too early — man weh nuh dun cross di river nuh fi cuss alligata.
He angered the wrong people too soon — don't taunt the danger before you're past it.
Origin
A river-crossing image: while you are still in the water, the alligator can still take you, so it is folly to curse it before you reach the bank — wait until you are safe.
How it’s used
A caution about timing and discretion — don't antagonise a threat while you are still vulnerable to it.