What is the most Mexican proverb about patience?

Con paciencia y saliva, el elefante se metió en la hormiga. The absurd image is recognizably Mexican and the moral is heroic patience.

Are Mexicans really patient with time?

Culturally yes, more than the stereotype implies. Mexican patience is a refusal to confuse activity with outcome.

Selectively. No hay plazo que no se cumpla is serious. Más vale tarde que nunca is the everyday deadline refrán.

Yes. Despacio que tengo prisa carries authority when said by a senior person.

Mostly not. The time refranero in Mexico stayed largely secular — agricultural and observational.

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May 7, 2026