From enemies, madmen, and drunkards, protect yourself — these three are unpredictable and dangerous. The enemy hates you deliberately; the madman and the drunk cause harm without intention, which makes them equally dangerous.
This practical Lombard proverb reflects the experience of city life where different categories of danger were part of daily reality. In medieval and early modern Milan, with its crowded streets and taverns, the three threats were genuinely present: a man with an enemy had to watch his back; a city with its share of madmen and drunkards presented random hazards. The proverb groups these three together because unpredictability is what they share: you can sometimes reason with a rational adversary, but reason does not work on hatred, madness, or alcohol. The counsel is not paranoia but ordinary prudence: know where danger comes from and maintain appropriate distance.
Lombard urban prudence proverb. Reflects the experience of city life in Milan from the medieval period onward, where random and intentional dangers were both present.
A Milanese father advising his son on street safety
Dai nimis, dal mato e dall'ubriaco guardete. Torna a casa prima delle due — dopo, le strade cambiano.
From enemies, madmen, and drunkards, protect yourself. Come home before two — after that, the streets change.
A Lombard market trader on difficult customers
Quello è venuto ubriaco e ha rovesciato metà del banco. Dai nimis, dal mato e dall'ubriaco guardete — adesso lo riconosco da lontano.
He came drunk and overturned half the stall. From enemies, madmen, and drunkards, protect yourself — now I recognise him from a distance.
An elderly Milanese man giving life advice
Ho vissuto ottantadue anni senza grossi guai. Il segreto? Dai nimis, dal mato e dall'ubriaco guardete — e ho scelto bene i miei nemici.
I have lived eighty-two years without serious trouble. The secret? From enemies, madmen, and drunkards, protect yourself — and I chose my enemies well.
A Milanese woman on avoiding conflict at a neighbourhood celebration
Alla sagra del paese ci sono sempre tre o quattro che hanno bevuto troppo. Dai nimis, dal mato e dall'ubriaco guardete — mi siedo dall'altra parte.
At the village festival there are always three or four who have drunk too much. From enemies, madmen, and drunkards, protect yourself — I sit on the other side.