Colombian proverb 1

Colombian proverb:  El pez muere por la cabeza.

English translation:  The fish dies from the head.

What do you think this proverb means?

(a)  This proverb is a warning about over-confidence.  It's similar to the English proverb 'Pride comes before a fall.'
  
(b)  This proverb is a warning about being impulsive.  Don't be too quick to grab an opportunity you are offered.  Instead, be cautious; find out more details before you act.  

(c)  This proverb is a warning about talking too much.  Sometimes it's better to stay quiet and keep what we know to ourselves.  

The correct answer is (c).  This proverb is a warning that opening our mouth can get us in trouble; sometimes we need to keep quiet. Another proverb with a similar meaning from the Spanish-speaking world is:  In a closed mouth, no flies enter.  Proverbs from other countries that express this value include the following:

South Korea:  The word can move 1000 miles without feet.
Russia:  The word is not a sparrow; if it flies out, you can't catch it.


Thanks to my student Sonia for sharing this proverb.