Meaning
When you are in a vulnerable position or dependent on someone with power over you, act carefully and diplomatically — don't provoke them. If your hand is inside a lion's mouth, you ease it out gently rather than yanking. A proverb counselling tact and patience when you are at another's mercy.
Examples
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Yuh cyaan cuss di boss when yuh need di work — when yuh hand inna lion mouth, yuh tek it out easy.
You can't curse the boss when you need the job — handle the powerful carefully when you depend on them.
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Play it cool wid dem fi now; when yuh hand inna lion mouth, yuh tek it out easy.
Play it cool with them for now; be tactful when you're at their mercy.
Origin
A traditional proverb; withdraw your hand gently from the lion's mouth. See [[coward-man-keep-sound-bone]], [[cool-nuh]].
How it’s used
Act with tact/patience when vulnerable or dependent on the powerful. See [[coward-man-keep-sound-bone]].