Trouble nuh set like rain
Also spelled: trouble no set like rain, trouble nuh set up like rain
Meaning
Trouble gives no warning. Unlike rain, which announces itself with gathering clouds, hardship can strike suddenly and unannounced — so stay prepared.
Examples
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“Everyting did fine, then di accident happen. Trouble nuh set like rain.”
Everything was fine, then the accident happened. Trouble comes without warning.
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“Always keep a likkle put weh, for trouble nuh set like rain.”
Always keep a little saved, because trouble strikes unexpectedly.
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“One day yuh good, next day yuh down. Trouble nuh set like rain.”
One day you're fine, the next you're low. Trouble gives no notice.
Origin
A weather image reversed: where rain 'sets up' visibly with darkening clouds, the proverb notes that trouble, unlike rain, offers no such visible warning.
How it's used
Used to counsel readiness and to console after sudden misfortune.