By La Shawna Griffith
In Barbados, we have a lot of colourful phrases that have been passed down through generations that carry deep meaning and wisdom. One such phrase that continues to ring true today is, “Yuh cuh hide and buy land, but yuh can’(t) hide and wuk it.”
On the surface, the phrase seems simple. But behind the words lies a cultural commentary on accountability, truth, and the way Bajans value transparency. When someone “hides and buys land,” they may be trying to make quiet moves, working behind the scenes, keeping their intentions private. But the moment that land needs ploughing, fencing, clearing, or planting, their secret becomes visible for all to see.
It’s a phrase that speaks to the reality that action exposes intention. In the Bajan context, it’s often used in conversations surrounding politics, relationships, business, or community dealings. You might hear it murmured at the rum shop when someone is “acting brand new,” or whispered among neighbours when a hidden agenda starts to unfold.
More than just a clever turn of phrase, it’s a call to honesty. In a close-knit society like Barbados, what is done in the dark rarely stays there. Eventually, the work speaks for itself. If you’re not ready to show your hand, then maybe you shouldn’t be playing the game at all.
What makes this proverb so quintessentially Bajan is the mix of practicality and humour. Bajans have always had a way of calling out truth with a smile or a smirk never needing to shout to make a point. Instead, we speak in proverbs that leave you thinking long after the conversation ends.
In today’s Barbados, where social media often gives the illusion of perfection and private ambition, this phrase remains relevant. You can “hide and buy land” by quietly launching a business, slipping into a relationship, or making a big decision. But once the hard work starts, your efforts—or lack thereof will speak for you.
So the next time you think of moving in silence, remember: the field still has to get ploughed. And as any true Bajan would say with a chuckle, “Yuh cuh hide and buy land, but yuh can’(t) hide and wuk it.”
