"Don't taunt the alligator until after you've crossed the creek"

This quote by Dan Rather is a metaphor for caution and vigilance. It is an alerting to believe before you act and to be knowledgeable about the prospective consequences of your actions. It is a suggestion to think about the dangers before taking any action. The alligator in this quote is a metaphor for any prospective danger or barrier that one may face. The creek is a metaphor for the journey or task that a person must carry out. The quote is informing us to not be overconfident and to not ignore the potential risks and threats that may be experienced along the way. It is a suggestion to be prepared and to take the needed safety measures before taking any action. It is a tip to be knowledgeable about the possible effects of our actions and to think before we act.