In English
“don't wait till the drum beats to sharpen your axe”
Meaning
'Nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe' — don't wait until the drum beats to sharpen your axe. Prepare well in advance, the proverb urges, and do not leave your readiness until the very moment of action, or you will be caught unprepared when the time comes. Drawn from the image of a worker or dancer who should have himself ready before the signal sounds, it counsels foresight: make yourself ready ahead of need, so that when the moment arrives you can meet it.
Examples
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Study early fi di exam; nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe.
Study early for the exam; don't leave your preparation until the last minute.
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Get ready now — nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe.
Get ready now — don't wait until it's time to act to prepare.
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Him never prepare an get ketch out; nuh wait till drum beat before yuh grine yuh axe.
He never prepared and got caught out; ready your tools before the moment arrives.
Origin
A drum-and-tool image: the drumbeat calls people to the task, but a wise worker has already ground his axe sharp — preparation comes before the call to act.
How it’s used
Advice about foresight and preparation — ready yourself ahead of time rather than scrambling when the moment arrives.