Catch the Bird, Watch the Breakers — Samoan Proverb Tee

<p><strong>Ia seu le manu, 'ae silasila i le galu.</strong><br><em>"Catch the bird, but watch the breakers."</em></p><p>This alagaupu (proverb) comes from the old seabird hunts of Tutuila, where exhausted birds resting on the cliffs were caught by net without decoy birds. A hunter had to seize the bird in front of him while staying sharply aware of the crashing surf below — lose focus on the danger, and the catch means nothing. Known as an <em>upu taofiofi</em> (a word of caution), it's used to remind someone to pursue their goal wholeheartedly, but never lose sight of the risks and obstacles around them.</p>