In English
“when the ashes are cold, the dog sleeps in the fireplace”
Meaning
'When ashes cold, dawg sleep inna fireside' — once the fire has died and the ashes are cold, the dog comes and sleeps in the fireside. When the danger, the authority, or the heat of a situation has passed, people grow bold and take the liberties they never dared while it was hot, the proverb observes. Just as the dog will not go near the blazing hearth but curls up there once it is safe and cold, so people creep in and help themselves once the threat is gone, and the saying names that all-too-human boldness after the fact.
Examples
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Soon as di boss gone, dem put up dem foot; when ashes cold, dawg sleep inna fireside.
As soon as the boss left, they put their feet up; with the authority gone, people take liberties.
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Di trouble dead down now, so everybody bold; when ashes cold, dawg sleep inna fireside.
The trouble has died down, so everyone's bold now; once the heat passes, people grow daring.
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Him wait till it safe fi talk up; when ashes cold, dawg sleep inna fireside.
He waited until it was safe to speak up; when the danger's gone, courage comes cheap.
Origin
A hearth image: a dog will not lie in a burning fireside, but once the fire is out and the ashes cold it settles right in — a figure for how people take liberties once the heat or danger is gone.
How it’s used
Used to note how people grow bold and take liberties only after the danger or authority has passed.