Meaning
'Only di shoe know if di stocking have hole' — only the shoe knows whether the stocking has a hole. Only those closest to a situation know its hidden truth, the proverb observes: outsiders cannot see the troubles, flaws, or secrets a person carries beneath a fine appearance, just as no one but the shoe, pressed right against it, knows the stocking is worn through. It is a wise reminder that people hide much behind a smooth surface, and that the real state of things is known only to those on the inside.
Examples
-
Dem look happy, but only di shoe know if di stocking have hole.
They look happy, but only those close know the real truth.
-
Nuh judge from outside; only di shoe know if di stocking have hole.
Don't judge from the outside; only the insider knows what's hidden.
-
Di marriage look perfect, but only di shoe know if di stocking have hole.
The marriage looks perfect, but only they know what's really going on.
Origin
A clothing image: a hole in the stocking is hidden inside the shoe, seen by no one else — as hidden troubles are known only to those closest to them.
How it’s used
A reminder that appearances hide the truth, and only those on the inside truly know what someone is going through.