Replacement proverbs are used to restore lost respect after a social embarrassment, especially in public settings. While their origin is unclear, they serve to regain credibility and are interchangeable, as all focus on reasserting one's worth and dignity after a mistake.

dopdak kul yicenmoh qobdiz guz.
DopDaq qul yIchenmoH QobDI' ghu'.
Set fire on the side when there is danger.

jag dajeymeh niteb yisuvrup.
jagh DajeymeH nIteb yISuvrup.
To defeat the enemy, be ready to fight alone.

reh suvrup suvwizzaz.
reH Suvrup SuvwI''a'.
A great warrior is always prepared.

reh lax kabdak kul tuj lawz hoc tuj pus.
reH latlh qabDaq qul tuj law' Hoch tuj puS.
The fire is always hotter on someone else's face.

hag kohpuz neh hegtahvis suvwizpuz.
Hagh qoHpu' neH HeghtaHvIS SuvwI'pu'.
Only fools laugh while warriors die.

hivkaz veklarg.
HIvqa' veqlargh.
The Fek'lhr strikes again.

jag yibustah.
jagh yIbuStaH.
Focus on the enemy.

Chosen at the 21st qep'a' in 2014 by Marc Okrand.

qap xam.
Qap tlham.
Gravity is working properly

Correctly guessed by ghunchu'wI'. This proverb can be translated "Gravity works!" but it has a deeper meaning that gravity is doing what gravity is supposed to be. It metaphorically means "that was supposed to happen".