Catch the Bird, Watch the Breakers — Samoan Proverb Tee

Ia seu le manu, 'ae silasila i le galu.
"Catch the bird, but watch the breakers."

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 upu taofiofi (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.