Klingon proverbs

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This is a compilation of known proverbs from the fictional Klingon race in the Star Trek television shows and films. Some of these proverbs are not original to Star Trek, but are likely cited as "Klingon" for entertainment value.

[edit] Sourced


  • Four thousand throats may be cut in one night by a running man.
    • tlhIngan Hol: qaStaHvIS wa' ram loS SaD Hugh SIjlaH qetbogh loD
    • Transliteration: As a single night continues to happen, a man who is running can slit four thousand throats.
    • Klingon soldier, Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Day of the Dove"
    • Klingon language source: The Klingon Dictionary, Marc Okrand


  • Only a fool fights in a burning house.
    • tlhIngan Hol: meQtaHbogh qachDaq Suv qoH neH
    • Transliteration: Only a fool fights in a house that continues to burn.
    • Kang, Star Trek: The Original Series, "Day of the Dove"
    • Klingon language source: The Klingon Way, Marc Okrand




  • Destroying an Empire to win a war is no victory. And ending a battle to save an Empire is no defeat.
    • tlhIngan Hol: noH QapmeH wo' Qaw'lu'chugh yay chavbe'lu', 'ej wo' choqmeH may' DoHlu'chugh lujbe'lu'
    • Transliteration: Victory cannot be achieved if an Empire is destroyed in order to win a war, and it is not failure if a battle is backed away from in order to preserve an Empire
    • Kahless (quoted), Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, "Way of the Warrior"
    • Klingon language source: The Klingon Way, Marc Okrand


  • A leader is judged not by the length of his reign but by the decisions he makes.


  • Great men do not seek power; it is thrust upon them.


  • If you cannot control yourself, you cannot command others.
    • tlhIngan Hol: bISeH'eghlaH'be'chugh latlh Dara'laH'be'
    • Transliteration: If you cannot control yourself, you cannot command others.
    • Klingon Honor Guard manual, page 16
    • Klingon language source: Unknown


  • Death is an experience best shared.
    • tlhIngan Hol: Heghlu'DI' mobbe'lu'chugh QaQpu' Hegh wanI'
    • Transliteration: When someone dies not alone the death event is good.
    • Klingon Honor Guard manual, page 29
    • Klingon language source: The Klingon Way, Marc Okrand


  • Pity the warrior who slays all his foes.


  • A sharp knife is nothing without a sharp eye.
    • tlhIngan Hol: leghlaHchu'be'chugh mIn lo'laHbe' taj jej
    • Transliteration: A sharp knife is useless if the eye is unable to clearly see.
    • Klingon Honor Guard manual, page 47
    • Klingon language source: The Klingon Way, Marc Okrand


  • Brute strength is not the most important asset in a fight.
    • tlhIngan Hol: Suvlu'taHvIS yapbe' HoS neH
    • Transliteration: While fighting, only power is not enough.
    • Klingon Honor Guard manual, page 55
    • Klingon language source: The Klingon Way, Marc Okrand


[edit] Attributed


  • You cannot loosen a man's tongue with root beer.
    • Original Klingon: Worf


  • Act, and you may eat dinner. Think, and you may be dinner.


  • Mere life is not a victory, mere death is not a defeat.



  • To those who are overly cautious, everything is impossible.
    • Kahless the Unforgettable



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