Interviewer: Can you think of a proverb you’ve heard a lot in your childhood:

MK: Sure, one of the more common ones I heard from my parents was this:

original: 

თაგვმა თხარა, თხარა, კატა გამოთხარაო. 

translation: 

The mouse dug and dug, only to dig out a cat. 

Context: This phrase was recorded from an older relative of mine, but I myself have heard it many times. It is a fairly common proverb in Georgia. 

Analysis: 

This proverb teaches a lesson through a short, memorable animal image. The proverb warns about the possible unintended consequences of ill-motivated curiosity. Animal imagery is used to better communicate with the intended audience of children. Proverbs work as vernacular pedagogy and teach about cause and consequence. Self-restraint is a common issue children struggle with, and this proverb is designed to function as a teaching tool.