Mèo mù vớ cá rán.

Blind cat finds fried fish.

This is describing a lucky situation that would not have been possible with own ability. This is similar to “An ounce of luck is better than a pound of wisdom”, “Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while” (i.e., even ineffective people can be lucky), and “Even a broke clock is right twice a day” (i.e., when people are undeservedly successful because of luck).

Một nửa ổ bánh mì vẫn là bánh mì, nhưng một nửa sự thật không còn là sự thật nữa.

Half a loaf of bread is still bread, but a half truth is no longer a truth.

This is describing lying by omission. This is equivalent to “Economical with the truth” (i.e., withholding information) and American statesman Benjamin Franklin’s saying “Half the truth is often a great lie.”

Một nghề cho chín còn hơn chín nghề.

One trade until ripe is better than nine trades.

This is advising that becoming a master in one trade is better than learning nine trades. This is a variant of Chinese proverb “Nhất nghệ tinh, nhất thân vinh / Adept in one trade, glory for one person” (i.e., becoming a master in one trade will bring glory and success). This is contrasted to “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one” (i.e., being a generalist is better than a specialist).

Một nghề thì sống, đống nghề thì chết.

One trade will live, many trades will die.

This is advising that becoming a master in one trade will prosper while working many trades will die. This is a variant of Chinese proverb “Nhất nghệ tinh, nhất thân vinh / Adept in one trade, glory for one person” (i.e., becoming a master in one trade will bring glory and success). This is contrasted to “Jack of all trades, master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one” (i.e., being a generalist is better than a specialist).

Một nước chẳng thể có hai vua.

One country cannot have two kings.

This is describing that in one group, there cannot be two leaders, because they cannot share. This is equivalent to the Highlander quote “There can be only one” and “No man can serve two masters.”

Một rừng không thể có hai cọp.

One jungle cannot have two tigers.

This is describing that in one area, there cannot be two strong personalities, because they cannot share. This is a variant of Chinese saying “Một núi không thể có hai hổ / One mountain cannot have two tigers.” This is equivalent to the Highlander quote “There can be only one” and “My/someone’s way or the highway” (i.e., either follow or leave).

Mất bò mới lo làm chuồng.

Planning to make a bell only when losing cows.

This is criticizing someone for acting when it is too late. This is equivalent to “Close the stable door after the horse has bolted” (i.e., trying to fix something after the problem has occurred) and “Too little, too late.”

Một nụ cười bằng mười thang thuốc bổ.

One smile is equal to ten prescribed doses of medicine.

This is equivalent to “Laughter is the best medicine.”