Ivatan Proverbs, Idioms and Metaphors
Source: Ivatan-Filipino-English Dictionary by Cecar A. Hidalgo, Ph.D.

"Machitbatbay ka avan asa a kaban amed"
Literal:	Do not speak of a cavan for measuring a lime unit.
Figurative:	You are out of order.
"Aran maypangu kabunbun mu du ahub am tumwaaw"
Literal:	How much you cover a smoke it will always come out.
Figurative:	A secret can never remain a secret.
"An kachidachidat na avam vuhawan"
Literal:	The inner soul and mind is more important than the appearance.
Figurative:	Not all that glitters is gold.
"Arava u mayet an namahes u ryes"
Literal meaning:	There is no strong man when the sea is at worst.
Figurative:	Do not go against the current (Do not be pretentious).
"Taywara ka ava su kapaypidipidi ta makasali ka su nahta"
Literal meaning:	Do not be too choosy for in the end you will have chosen a rotten one.
Figurative:	Do not be too choosy or you'll end up with a bad choice.
"Sirbyen mu u tavahusan mu aya"
Literal meaning:	Use the part that your hat is protecting
Figurative:	Be wise
"Manta su pamangketen du rapuyan"
Literal meaning:	Look for someone that stays near the kitchen
Figurative:	Look for a lover, wife

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