--

Pigs might fly.

Literal: It was happening -- a goat was
eating up a wolf.

-
.

Draw not your bow till your arrow is fixed.

Literal: Maybe and somehow won't make
any good.

-- .

You have to learn to walk before you can run.

Literal: Alphabet is the step to wisdom.

,
.

Little thieves are hanged, but great ones

escape.
Literal: The thief who stole an altyn (3
kopecks) is hung, and the one who stole a
poltinnik (50 kopecks) is praised.

Appetite comes with eating.

Literal: The appetite comes during eating.

With a helper a thousand things are possible.

Literal: An artel's pot boils denser.

, .

The devil rebuking sin.

Literal: The uncle would better gasp looking
at himself.

-- .

No women, no cry!
Literal: It is easier for the mare when a
woman gets off the cart.

,
.

No one can know for certain.

Literal: Granny was telling fortunes, said two
things.

No one can know for certain.

Literal: Granny said two things.

--
.

When the rich make war it's the poor that

die.
Literal: Masters are fighting, servants'
forelocks are creaking.

When it rains, it pours.

Literal: Trouble never comes alone.

 ,
-- .

Poverty is in want of much, avarice of

everything.

--
.

that has no money needs no purse.

Literal: For a poor man, to dress means to
only belt himself.

When the cat is away, the mice will play.

Literal: Without a cat mice feel free.

Adversity is a good teacher.

Literal: Without torture no science.

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Literal: Without rest even the horse doesn't
gallop.

No pain, no gain.
Literal: Without effort, you can't even pull a
fish out of the pond.

Safety first.

,
.

Look after your clothes when they're spick

and span, and after your honour when you're
a young man.

The Lord helps those who help themselves.

Literal: God keeps those safe who keep
themselves safe.

,
.

Economy is a good servant but a bad master.

,
.

Many hands make light work

Literal: Take hold of it together, it won't feel
heavy.

, .

Literal: For a mad dog, seven versts (Russian

mile) is not a long detour.
So near and yet so far.
Literal: Your elbow is close, yet you can't bite
it.

 , .

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away

Literal: God gave, God took back.

, .
Literal: God won't give it away, pigs won't
eat it.
.
Literal: God marks the crook.
,
.

The mills of God grind slowly.

Literal: God sees the truth, but won't tell
soon.

There is One that is always on the lookout.

Literal: God sees the truth.

Third time is a charm.; Third time is a lucky.

Literal: God likes trinity.

, -
.

Trust in God, but steer away from the rocks.

Literal: Pray to God, but hold on to your
good mind.

God does not give horns to cow that butts.

-- .

Loose lips sink big ships.

Literal: A chatterbox is a treasure for a spy.

A fool's tongue runs before his feet.

Literal: The tongue will bring the chatterer
no good.

, .

Be swift to hear, slow to speak.

Literal: Listen more, talk less.

--
.

Every barber knows that. (badly-kept secret)

Literal: Big secret -- all the world knows.

--
.

A great ship needs deep waters.

Literal: For a big ship, a big voyage.

A beard doesn't make a philosopher.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but

words will never hurt me.
Literal: The scolding won't hang on one's
collar.

-- .

Hard words break no bones.

Literal: The scolding is not smoke -- won't
irritate your eyes.

, .

His eyes are bigger than his belly.

Literal: The belly is full, but the eyes are
hungry.

There will be our turn to triumph.

Literal: There'll be a holiday in our street too.

Be that as it may.
Literal: Be what will be.

A letter does not blush (Epistula non

erubescit -- Cicero, "Epistulae ad familiares")
Literal: Paper will endure anything.

Whatever betide.
Literal: There was -- there wasn't.

To rule the roost.

Literal: To be a host in the house.

,
.

To carry fire in one hand and water in the

other.

, .

There's no place like home.; East or West,

home is best.
Literal: It is good to be visiting, but it is
better at home.

Many a true word is spoken in jest.

Teeth are all friends among each other.

Take a seat, please.

Literal: There is no truth in feet.

 ,
.

Red herring.
Literal: Elder-berry is in the kitchen-garden,
and the uncle is in Kiev.

It is good to be visiting, but it is better at

home.

Every family has its black sheep.

Literal: No family has no ugly member.

All cats are grey in the dark.

, .

The more the merrier.

Literal: In a crush, yet without resentment.

Still waters run deep.

Literal: It's the still waters that are inhabited
by devils.

When in Rome, do as Romans do.

Literal: Nobody goes to Tula with one's own
samovar. (Tula is famous as city where the
best Russian samovars are made)

When in Rome, do as Romans do.

Literal: Nobody goes to another monastery
with one's own charter.

,
-- .

And why beholdest thou the mote that is in

thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the
beam that is in thine own eye? (Luke 6:41)
Literal: In another persons' eye one can
notice a mote, but in one's own - cannot see
a log.

The devil puts a touch of honey in a

neighbor's wife.
Literal: The devil puts a spoonful of honey
into others' wife.

,
, .

How well you live makes a difference, not

how long.

,
.

Literal: Put everything onto the grey horse,

he'll bear anything.

 , .

It is too good to be true.

Literal: I'd like to drink honey with your lips.

-- .

Live and learn.

Literal: Live for a century -- learn for a
century.

,
.

Better fed than taught.

, .

Penny wise and pound foolish.

Literal: Big of the body but small by his
deeds.

,
.

As garrulous as a magpie.
Literal: He twirls his tongue as the cow twirls
its tail.

--
.

Literal: Revelry is jolly, hangover is heavy.

-- ,
.

If you pledge, don't hedge.

Literal: When taking the tug do not say "I am
powerless".

, .

Eyes watch but cannot take.; So near and yet

so far.
Literal: The eye can see it, but the tooth
can't bite it.

A bird may be known by its song.

Literal: The bird is known by its flight.

The work shows the workman.

Nobody knows whether it will happen or not.

Literal: This is written with pitchfork on a
flowing water.

When wine is in, wit is out.

Literal: Wine causes guilt.

Literal: In affect you can break even an elm.
, .

You can't live with them and you can't live

without them.
Literal: Together, it's cramped; apart, it's
boring.
.

Little strokes fell great oaks.

Literal: Water cuts through stone.

Wolf in sheep's clothing.

Literal: Wolf in sheep's pelt.

A hound's food is in its legs.

Literal: The feet feed the wolf.

--
.

If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the

kitchen.
Literal: If you're afraid of wolves, don't go to
the woods.

--
.

Being afraid of wolfs do not go to the forest.

There is no honor among thieves.

Literal: A thief stole other thief's club.

Hawks will not pick out hawk's eye.

Literal: The raven will not peck another
raven's eye.

--
.

The receiver is as bad as the thief.

That's where the shoe pinches; That's the

crux.
Literal: That's the snag!

That's where the shoe pinches; That's the

crux.
Literal: That's where the dog is buried.

, ,
.

What an unpleasant surprise!

Literal: That's, grandma, the Yuri's Day.

Fools may sometimes speak to the purpose.

--

Time heals all wounds.

Literal: Time is the best healer.

-- .

He lies easily and without blushing.

, .

A liar should be a man of good memory.

Literal: Lie but remember.

God's hand is above all.

Literal: Everything is in God's hands.

Genius is simplicity.
Literal: Everything genius is simple.

All roads lead to Rome.

,
.

Nothing disappears, only changes.

Literal: Everything changes, nothing
disappears.

- .

We all see the same sun, but we don't all

have the same fun.

Everything in reason.
Literal: Everything is good in measure.

,
.

All's well that ends well.

Literal: All is well that ends well.

The one who dies with most toys, still dies.

Literal: You can't take everything with you.

There is a place for everything, and

everything in its place.

, .

Everything has beauty but not everyone sees

it.

Every cook praises his own broth.

Literal: Every sandpiper praises his own
swamp.

Every man to his business.; What Jupiter is

allowed to do, cattle are not.
Literal: Every cricket must know its hearth

Everything is good in its season.

Literal: Every vegetable has its time.

You can not jump above your head.

,
.

The money will heal all the hurts of honor.

Literal: Where money speak, there the
conscience is silent.

,
.

Literal: Where love and advice exists, there

is no grief.

,
.

An open door may tempt a saint.

Literal: A thieve looks in the direction here
something lies not properly.

-- .

The chain is no stronger than its weakest

link.
Literal: It will snap where it's the thinnest.

,
. (. )

On paper, it was attractive.

Literal: It was smooth on paper, but we've
forgotten about ravines.

, .

Eyes watch but cannot take.

-- .

Eyes are the mirror of a heart.

, .

You never know what you can do till you try.

, .

You never know what you can do till you try.

Literal: Eyes are afraid, but hands are doing
the job.

Truth comes out of the mouths of babes and

sucklings.
Literal: A fool and a baby tells the truth.

, .

A silent fool is counted wise.

Literal: Speak less, it will be smarter.

, .

A close mouth catches no flies.

Literal: Speak, but do not slip.

 ,
.

Fools and madmen speak the truth.

:
, .

The pot calls the kettle black.

,
.

lip-service; hot air; idle words

,
.

To carry fire in one hand and water in the

other.
Literal: Talks to the right, but looks to the
left.

--
.

Flattery makes friends and truth makes

enemies.

,
.

Nothing is as burdensome as a secret.

-- ,
.

Pigs might fly.

Literal: They say they milk chicken and cows
hatch eggs.

, .

Pigs might fly.

Literal: They say they milk chicken.

,
.

The hunger is not like an aunt.

Literal: Hunger is not your aunt, it will not
bring you a pie.

Hungry bellies have no ears.

, .

Hungry like a wolf.

Literal: As hungry as a wolf.

A beggar can never be bankrupt.

Literal: One doesn't shear the naked sheep.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

Literal: Poor people are crafty.

The leopard cannot change his spots.

Literal: Only grave will cure the hunchback.

 ,
.

While it is fine weather mend your sails.

Literal: Preaper the sled in summer, and cart
in winter.

--
.

The peasant will not cross himself before it

begins to thunder.
Literal: Unless the thunder strikes, a peasant
won't cross himself.

,
.

He regarded himself as ton of gold and was

only ounce of brass.

Geese with geese, and women with women.

Literal: A goose is not a pig's friend.

--
.

Give him an inch and he'll take a yard.

Literal: Give him fingernail worth, he will ask
elbow worth.

--
.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Literal: Further from the eye -- closer to the
heart.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Literal: Don't look at the teeth of a horse
you've been given.

-- , -- .

Get anything given -- run being beaten.

This house is too small for two of us.

Literal: Two bears don't live in one lair.

--
.

Those who in quarrels interpose, must often

wipe a bloody nose.
Literal: Where Two are fighting, third should
not interfere.

,
.

There is no way for two deaths to come to

you, but from one you will never run away.

Actions speak louder than words.

To make a mountain out of a molehill.

To put a brave face on a sorry business.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.;

Don't put the cart before the horse.
Literal: Dividing the pelt of a bear not yet
killed.

The craft fears the craftsman.

, .

There's a time for work and a time for play.

Literal: Time for business, an hour for fun.

--
.

He that has a full purse never wanted a

friend.

Money is the root of all evil.

To throw one's money about.

,
.

One generation plants the trees, another

gets the shade.

Don't try to bite off more than you can chew!

Literal: Hold your pocket open wider!

--
.

Easy come, easy go.

Literal: When something is obtained cheap,
it is easily lost.

I will give you the shirt off my back.

Literal: For dear friend, I'm willing to take an
earring out of my own ear.

,
.

--
.
-- .

Literal: God is far up high, the Tsar is far

away.
You'll live.
Literal: It will heal before your wedding.

Literal: Good brotherhood is the best wealth.

A good heart's worth gold.

Soft fire makes sweet malt.

Literal: Even a cat appreciates kind words.

, .

Words are the wise man's counters and the

fool's money.
Literal: Trust, but verify.

One good turn deserves another.

Literal: Debt is beautiful only after it is
repaid.

--
.

Farewell -- wasted sadness. One should leave

quietly.
Literal: Long parting ceremonies mean
unnecessary tears.

My house is my castle.
Literal: When you are at home, even the
walls help you.

One's own simple bread is much better than

someone else's pilaf.

-- .
Literal: The informer gets whipped first
.

A stitch in time saves nine.

Literal: Spoon is valuable by the dinner time.

A little too late is much too late.

Literal: An egg is valuable to the Christ day
(i.e. Easter)

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Literal: You get to really know your friend
when trouble comes.

,
.

A hedge between keeps friendship green.

Literal: Friendship is friendship, but count
money.

,
.

A hedge between keeps friendship green.

Literal: Friendship is friendship and service is
service.

A hedge between keeps friendship green.

Literal: Friendship is friendship, but tobacco

apart.

: - .

Friendship is like glass - once broken, it is

never mended.

A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Literal: You get to really know your friends
when trouble comes.

--
.

To teach a fool is the same as treat a dead

men.

There is no law for fools.

Literal: There is no law written for fools.

, ,
.

There's a sucker born every minute.

Literal: Fools are not sown or reaped, they
appear by themselves.

The Devil finds work for idle hands to do .

Literal: The stupid head doesn't leave feet in
rest.

,
.

Always be prepared.
Literal: If you go for a day trip, take a week
supply of bread.

, ,
.

--
.
, ,
, .

Literal: I eat it, and it's mine, and you stay

away from me.
Give one an inch, and he will take a mile.

Literal: Yeryoma(Jeremy), Yeryoma, you

would better sit at home and cut your
spindles.
If ifs and buts were candy and nuts; If ifs and
ands were pots and pans, then we would
need no tinkers.
Literal: If and when mushrooms grew in the
mouth.

If ifs and ans were pots and pans.

,
.

Youth is wasted on the young

Literal: If only the youth would know, if the
old age would be able to.

, .
Literal: I've got kvas, but not for you.
- ,
.

Literal: I have it indeed, but it's not for you.

, .

Eat with pleasure, drink with measure.

,
.

The more you know, the less you should talk.

Literal: Eat a pie with mushrooms and keep
your tongue behind your teeth.

,
.

Never fry a fish till it's caught.

Literal: The fish is not caught yet, but you've
already started to cook ukha (fish soup).

-- .
Literal: If we will be alive we will not die.
, .

Life is short.
Literal: Life is short, but there's a lot to be
done.

--
.

Life is not a bed of roses.

Literal: Living through one's life is not like
crossing a field.

Grasp all, lose all.

- ,
.

Literal: Overseas, a cow costs a quarter of

kopeck, but it will cost a ruble to ship it here.

Experience is worth it.

Literal: A beaten one is worth two unbeaten
ones.

It doesn't hurt to ask.

Literal: They don't hit you in the nose for

asking.
, .

As you sow, so shall you reap.

Literal: What you'll go looking for, that you
will find.

, .

I give you this for what it's worth.

Literal: I sell it for what I bought it.

,
,
.

Breakfast like a king, lunch like a queen and

dine like a pauper.
Literal: Eat breakfast yourself, share dinner
with your friend, give the supper to your
enemy.

Hindsight is 20/20.
Literal: Everyone is strong of the hindmind.

, .

The law is hard, but it is law.

,
-- .

Every law has a loophole.

Literal: Law is like a shaft of a cart, it points
wherever you turn it to.

You told it through the hat.

Literal: Yakov's magpie started chattering
the same thing about anyone.

, .

As busy as a bee.
Literal: As busy as a bee.

, .

Store is no sore.

The leopard cannot change his spots.

Literal: Vixen resolved not to steal chicken.

- .

Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse.

Literal: Make a fool to pray to God, he will
hurt his forehead.

,
.

Diseases come on horseback, but steal away

on foot.
Literal: Health leaves you in pounds, but
comes in zolotniks.

Words can kill before arms.

, .
Literal: The cat knows who's meat it has
eaten.
, .

You shouldn't go over the edge.

, .

Better go to bed supperless than rise in debt.

Literal: Know sense, do not make debts.

, , .

Know your place / limits.

--
.

Had I known then what I know now.

Literal: Would I know where I will fall down,
I'd lay some straw.

, ,
.

If you could know where you fall, you would

spread some straw.

--
.

To know everything is to know nothing.

Accidents will happen in the best regulated

families.
Literal: There are scandals even in the most
noble families.

, .

Have one's cake and eat it too.

Literal: The wolves are sated, and the sheep
are intact.

Everyone makes mistakes.; To err is human.

Literal: Even an old lady makes mistakes.

The walls have ears.

Literal: Even walls may have ears.

The cat would eat fish and would not wet her
feet.
Literal: It is wanted and repellent.

Lesser of two evils

Literal: They choose lesser of two evils.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Literal: From fire to flame.

.
Literal: you cannot throw a word out of a
song.
,
.

Neck or nothing.
Literal: Either chest in crosses(orders), or a
head in bushes.

The name provides the essence.

A fool must now and then be right by chance.

,
.

Prevention is better than cure.

Literal: Extinguish the spark before the fire,
deflect the trouble before the strike.

Little strokes fell great oaks.; Time conquers

all.
Literal: You can bend an alder-tree, if you do
it gradually.

The wind cannot be caught in a net.

Literal: Look for wind in a field.

--
.

Literal: Just even having once held a state

goat's tail one can make a fur-coat.

--
.

Do unto others what you would have them

do unto you.
Literal: How echo is prompted, so it will
bounce back.

-- .

As sure as eggs are eggs.

Literal: As twice times two is four.

As alike as two peas in a pod.

Literal: Like two drops of water.

, .

Easy come, easy go.

Literal: Spent as earned.

 ,
.

As the call, so the echo.

Literal: As you treat people so they will treat
you.

, .

Like father, like son.

Literal: Like priest, like church.

A drop in the ocean.

Literal: A drop in the sea.

Little strokes fell great oaks.

Literal: A water drop cuts through stone.

Plenty is no plague.
Literal: One can't spoil porridge with butter.

Fight fire with fire; One nail drives out

another.
Literal: They use a wedge to knock out a
wedge.

,
.

When money talks, truth shuts up.

,
.

Literal: When love whispers, the reason

shuts up.

When pigs begin to fly.

Literal: When the crawfish whistles on the
mountain.

,
.

He dances well to whom fortune pipes.

--
.

, - , --
.

, .

Literal: If the claw is stuck, the whole bird is

lost.
Beware of the cat that licks from the front
but claws from behind.
Literal: Beware of the goat from its front
side, of the horse - from its back side, and
the evil man - from any side.

Literal: For some people war is war, for

others -- dear mother.
,
.

A rolling stone gathers no moss.

Literal: Those who are discontent to remain
in one place will not earn much.

Don't change horses in midstream.

Literal: One doesn't change horses at river
crossing.

-- .

The end crowns the work.

,
.

It is a good horse that never stumbles.

Literal: A horse has four legs, but still
stumbles.

Take care of the pence and the pounds will

take care of themselves.
Literal: A kopeck saves a ruble.

.
Literal: You can't forbid living beautifully.
,
.

A fine cage does not fill a bird's belly.

Literal: The hut is beautiful because of its
pies, not corners.

-- .

Brevity is the soul of wit.

,
.

Calm in the midst of storms.

Literal: Who wasn't out in the sea, didn't
pray to God.

,
.

Literal: He who gains the rank like a fox, will

be a wolf in the rank.

,
.

They must hunger in winter that will not work

in summer.

,
.

People never can resist those who make

them laugh.

 ,
.

A wathced pot never boils.

, .

He who does not work, neither should he eat.

Literal: Who doesn't work, that one doesn't
eat.

,
.

cannot speak well that cannot hold his

tongue.

,
.

Vodka and good sense never get along.

Literal: Who drinks till bottom, lives without
mind.

,
.

It is the early bird that catches the worm.

Literal: God gives to those who wake up
early.

,
.

Self-praise is no praise.

, e.

He who is tricky will get double the prize.

Literal: Who is brave eats two.

,
.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Literal: Who reminds old events,insults, will
be deprived of his eye.

,
.

There is no fool like an old fool.

Literal: Where goes a horse with its hoof,
there goes a crayfish with its pincer.

, .

Damned if you do, damned if you don't

Literal: Whichever way you turn, the wedge
is everywhere.

, .

Strike while the iron is hot; Make hay while

the sun shines.
Literal: Strike while the iron is hot.

It is enough to make a cat laugh.

Literal: It makes chicken laugh.

,
.

Literal: As chicken is not a bird, woman is

not a human being.

 ,
.

A hen picks a seed at a time, but gets filled

up.

An affectionate calf sucks two mothers.

.
Literal: You cannot break a wall with your
forehead.
.

Don't strike a man when he is down.

Literal: One shouldn't beat the one who fell.

-- .

You can't make an omelette without breaking

an egg.
Literal: When wood is chopped, woodchips
will fly.

The first step is the hardest.

Literal: The most difficult - to begin, then it
will be easie.

,
.

A woman has the form of an angel, the heart

of a serpent, and the mind of an ass.
Literal: She has a face of a beauty, but only
hell likes her temper.

A fly in the ointment; The rotten apple spoils

the barrel.
Literal: A spoonful of tar spoils a barrel of
honey.

,
.

Better a good neighbor than a bad relative.

, .

Too much of the thing is good for nothing.

Literal: It's better less but better.

,
.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Literal: It's better to see once than to hear
hundred times.

, .

Better late than never.

Literal: Better late than never.

 ,
.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush;

Better an egg today than a hen tomorrow.
Literal: A tomtit in your hand is better than a
crane in the sky.

, .

A stumble may prevent a fall.

Literal: It's better to stumble than to fall.

-- .

The best is oftentimes the enemy of the

good.
Literal: Best is the enemy of good.

,
.

He that would eat the fruit must climb the

tree.; No pain, no gain.
Literal: If you enjoy riding, you better enjoy
pulling the sleigh.

, .

Love is blind.
Literal: love's evil, you'll love even a goat.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Literal: Nosy Barbara's nose was torn off at
the market.

, .
Literal: Bedbug might be small, but
definitely is stinky.
.

Jack of all trades.

Between rock and hard place; Between devil

and deep blue sea.
Literal: Between two fires.

Between rock and hard place; Between devil

and deep blue sea.
Literal: Between hammer and anvil.

, -- .

To talk a blue streak.

Literal: Feel free to jabber, Emelya -- it's
your week.

--
.

Ignorance is bliss; What you don't know,

cannot hurt you.
Literal: The less you know, the more soundly
you sleep.

 -- .
Literal: Peace and harmony is great treasure
,
.

Too much knowledge makes the head bald.;

Curiosity killed the cat.
Literal: If you learn a lot, you'll age soon.

Much ado about nothing.

Literal: Much noise from nothing.

-- ,
-- .

Literal: My job is to scream, 'cock-a-doodledoo'; from then on, it may not dawn.

,
-- .

Brave before a lamb, but a lamb before the

brave.
Literal: He is brave when fighting against
sheep, and when fighting against a brave
man he's a sheep himself.

Rome wasn't built in a day.

Literal: Moscow wasn't biult at once.

--
.

That is nothing to do with me.

Literal: My house is at the end of the street;
so I have no idea what's going on.

-- .

Devil's wife is also a witch.

Literal: Husband and wife are the same
satan.

, .

Iron fist in a velvet glove; Velvet paws hide

sharp claws.
Literal: He makes the bed soft, yet it's hard
to sleep on.

-- .

Something is better than nothing.

Literal: On a fishing lull, even a crayfish is
fish.

,
.

Trust in God, but lock your car.

Literal: Hope for God, but do not be reliant.

--
.

Literal: If you rely on God, you won't fail.

 , .

All hat and no cattle.

Literal: On the belly there is silk, and in the
belly - just a click.

If you try to please all you will please none.

There's no accounting for taste.

Literal: There are no friends in tastes and
colors.

A guilty mind betrays itself.

Literal: A thief's hat is burning.

He who pleased everybody died before he

was born.
Literal: You cannot please everybody.

Homer sometimes nods.

Literal: For each wise man there are plenty
of fools.

,
.

Literal: If your face looks skewed, don't

blame the mirror.

Speak of the devil, and he appears.

Literal: Prey runs into a trapper.

Together with your people even the death is

respectable.

,
.

Literal: The pike in the sea is there to make

the crucian to stay alert.

Vinegar that is free, is sweeter than honey.

Literal: Even vinegar is sweet when for
freebie.

,
.

that has n head needs no hat.

Don't keep your mouth open.

Literal: Don't open your mouth to eat other
people's bread.

It is impossible to throw a shawl over

someone's mouth.
Literal: you can't throw a handkerchief over
somebody's mouth.

The foolish man seeks happiness in the

distance, the wise grows it under his feet.
Literal: In the foreign country you a glad to
see even the crow from yours lands.

Literal: One can't build one's happiness on

others' grief.

, -.

A honey tongue, a heart of gall.

Literal: On the tongue there's honey, and on
the heart there's ice.

--
.

If you undertook something, do it; If you

pledge, don't hedge.
Literal: If you called yourself a milkmushroom -- get into the basket!

To bite off one's nose to spite somebody's

face.

Diamond cut diamond.; You have met your

match.
Literal: The scythe has hit a stone.

It is not the gods who burn our pots.

Literal: It's not gods who make pots.

, ,
,
.

It's the quiet ones you gotta watch.

Literal: Don't be afraid of the dog who barks,
but be afraid of the one, who is silent and
wags its tail.

, .

Don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you;

Let sleeping dogs lie.
Literal: Don't wake up trouble while it sleeps
quietly.

,
.

A blessing in disguise.
Literal: I would have had no luck, if not for
misfortune.

 ,
.

You've asked for trouble.

Literal: The woman had no trouble, so she
bought a piglet.

Do not try to sit in the sledge not belonging

to you.

,
.

Power is not revealed by striking hard or

often, but by striking true.
Literal: Truth is not in power, rather power is
in truth.

,
.

Life's not all beer and skittles; Life's not all

wine and roses; I never promised you a bed
of roses
Literal: Not every day is a Shrovetide, in
time it will be a Lent.

, .

All that glitters is not gold.

Literal: Not every glittering thing is gold.

,
.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Literal: Don't exclaim "Up" having not yet
make a jump.

,
.

Money makes the mare go.

Literal: Don't drive the horse with a whip,
but drive the horse with a rouble.

-- ,
-- .

Don't make a promise you can't keep.

Literal: Not having given a word try to
prevent to promise, but having had given a
word be strong.

, ,
, .

Love the sinner, but hate the sin.

Literal: The wolf is beaten not for being grey,
but for having eaten a sheep.

, .

Wait for the cat to jump.

Literal: Don't wade into a river without
knowing a ford.

,
.

Literal: Don't have a friend who always

agrees with you, but have a friend who
argues with you.

 ,
.

A faithful friend is better than gold.

Literal: Don't have hundred rubles, rather
have hundred friends.

Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

Literal: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

,
-- .

It isn't the place that graces the man, but

man the place.
Literal: It isn't the place that graces the
man, but man the place.

Cast not your pearls before swine.

Literal: Don't cast beads in front of pigs.

, .

By hook or by crook.
Literal: If not by washing, then by rolling.

,
.

A family that lives in love and accord does

not need any treasures.
Literal: Treasure is not required when there
is harmony in the family.

,
.

He who makes no mistakes makes nothing.

Literal: Only he who does nothing makes no
mistakes.

- .

Never cast dirt into that fountain of which

you have sometime drunk.; Don't bite the
hand that feeds you.
Literal: Do not spit into a well--it may be
useful to drink water.

, .

Actions speak louder than words.

Literal: They judge not by words, but by
deeds.

-- .

Innocent till proven guilty.

Literal: Unless caught stealing, one is not a
thief.

,
.

Curses like chickens come home to roost.

Literal: Don't dig a pit for somebody to fall
into, or you will end up in it yourself.

,
.

Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Literal: Don't hack the branch you are sitting

on.
.

Do not plant a tree with its root upward.

,
.

Ask not the old, but the old-timer.

Literal: Don't ask the old one, ask the
experienced one.

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Literal: Don't judge and you won't be judged.

,
.

The devil is not so terrible as he is painted.

Literal: The devil is not as scary as they
paint(draw) him.

Don't teach fishes to swim.

Literal: Do not teach a learned person.

Uninvited guest is worst than a Tatar.

Literal: An unsolicited guest is worse than a
Tatar.

, .

Silent as a grave.
Literal: Mute as a fish.

There is no smoke without fire.

Literal: There is no smoke without fire.

Nothing is impossible.

,
, .

Literal: There are no bad ships or winds,

there are bad captains.
Every cloud has a silver lining.
Literal: There's no bad without the good.

, , .
Literal: Neither 'baaah', nor 'maaah', nor
even 'cock-a-doodle-do'.
, .

Neither here nor there

Literal: Not for village, not for town.

, .

Good luck!

Literal: Neither bird's down, nor feather.

, .

Neither fish nor flesh.

Literal: Neither fish nor meat.

Neither rhyme nor reason; You told it through

your hat; You lied through your teeth.
Literal: Neither rhyme nor harmony.

Nothing is sacred for you.

Morning sun never lasts a day.

There is nothing new under the sun.

- .

A new broom sweeps clean.; In with the new

and out with the old.
Literal: A new broom sweeps in a new way.

-- .

New lords, new laws.

To each his own.

Literal: Tastes are not argued. (from Latin
"De gustibus non est disputandum")

Jam tomorrow.
Literal: They wait three years for what was
promised.

,
.

Once bitten, twice shy.

Literal: The one who got burned by hot milk,
blows on water.

The game isn't worth the candle.

Literal: The lambskin is not worth the
currying.

One can not conquer alone.

Literal: Single man in a field is not a warrior.

--
.

Once lain, who will believe you?

--
.

With the cultivator he is alone, but those who

eat are many.

Literal: For every one with a plow -- there're

seven with a spoon.
-- , - , -- .

Literal: One son is not a son, two sons are

half a son, three sons are a son.

-- , - .

Two heads are better than one.

Literal: One head is good; two heads are
better.

-- ,
-- , -- .

Three women and a goose make a

marketplace.

One swallow does not make a spring.

He's not at a loss for a word.

A hard nut to crack

Literal: The teeth are not match for the nut.

,
.

Out of the frying pan and into the fire.'

Literal: I ran from the wolf but ran into a
bear.

Leave well enough alone; Enough is as good

as a feast.
Literal: Do not look for further good from
good.

Curiosity killed the cat.

Literal: Cat died of curiosity.

Little spark lights great fires.

Literal: A little spark may cause a big fire.

Never say 'never'.

Literal: Don't swear off of beggary and jail.

Honour and profit lie not in one sack.

Literal: Honest work won't let you live on the
stone palace.

What goes around, comes around.

Literal: Cat will eventually get a downpour of

mice' tears
.

Desire is stronger than compulsion.

Literal: Desire is worse then compulsion.

It's win all, or lose all.

Literal: To become a master or a deadman.

The rotten apple spoils the barrel.

Literal: The scabby sheep spoils the whole
flock.

One swallow does not make a summer.

Literal: The first swallow doesn't make the
springto come.

Things don't work the first time

Literal: The first pancake is always a blob.

Cross the stream where it is shallowest.

, .
Literal: The feather of falcon and the inside
of a crow.
, .

He/she is like a broken record

Literal: The song is the same, and she again
is the one who sings.

It is impossible to break the butt end with a

lash.
Literal: One can't break an axe with a whip.

,
.

Literal: A soldier who doesn't want to

become a general is a bad one.

Bad news has wings.

Literal: A bad rumour flies on wings.

--
.

A bad beginning makes a bad ending.

Literal: A bad ending for a bad beginning.

A poor workman blames his tools.

Literal: Poor dancer is impeded by his own

balls.
,
.

Beauty may open the door, but only virtue

enters.
Literal: One meets people by their clothes,
and says farewell by their mind.

Every barber knows that. (badly-kept secret)

.
Literal: By Sen'ka (Russian name, short of
Vsevolod) also the hat.

,
.

The pitcher goes often to the well but is

broken at last.

A fault confessed is half redressed.

Literal: Even the sword dousn't cut the head
of the one who confesses.

-- .

Repeating is the mother of learning.

Literal: Repetition is a mother of learning.

,
.

If you run after two hares, you will catch

neither., Grasp all, lose all.
Literal: If you start chasing two hares, you
will catch none.

Help yourself and others will help you.

,
.

Literal: The wolf spared the mare, left a tail

and mane.

-- .

Time will show. (We shall see what we shall

see.)

, .

Caught red-handed.
Literal: Caught like a rooster for pluming.

Don't try to jump the gun.

Literal: Don't try to get into hell ahead of
your father.

 --

Give one an inch, and he will take a mile.

Literal: Seat the pig at the table -- she'll put
her legs on the table.

What's done is done; Don't lock the stable

door after the horse has bolted.
Literal: They don't swing fists when the fight
is over.

--
.

Hasty climbers have sudden falls; The more

haste, the less speed.; Haste makes waste
Literal: If you rush things, you'll just make
others laugh.

,
.

If planning revenge, dig two graves

Literal: Went to get wool, but returned
sheared.

Truth never perishes.

Home truths are hard to swallow.; Truth

hurts.

Truth will prevail.

--
.

Flattery makes friends and truth makes

enemies.

Since Adam was a boy.

Literal: In the times of czar Gorokh (czar
from fairy tales).

-- .

Custom is a second nature.

Literal: Habit is a second nature.

, .

Misfortunes never come alone.; When it rains

it pours.
Literal: Trouble is here, so open the gates.

, - .

Speak of the devil, and he appears.

Literal: Speak of the gray one (i.e. wolf), the
gray one heads your way.

.
Literal: Simplicity is worse than thievery.

Once bitten, twice shy

Literal: A spooked crow is afraid of a bush.

Once bitten, twice shy

Literal: A spooked crow is afraid of it's own
shadow.

An empty can makes the most noise.

Literal: An empty barrel rattles louder.

,
.

Let everybody do what they do best.

A sea level can reach only the knee of a

drunken man.
Literal: For a drunken one, a sea is kneedeep.

, - .

Literal: The drunken will sleep it over, the

fool -- never.

,
.

The work is not like wolf - it would not run in

the forest.

You can't expect perfection every time.

Literal: Each time it is different.

-- .

Once a liar, always a liar.

Literal: Once you've told a lie, you become a
liar forever.

It is the early bird that catches the worm.

Christmas comes but once a year.

, .

You roll my log and I'll roll yours.

Literal: Hands wash each other, a thief
covers another thief.

You roll my log and I'll roll yours.

Literal: Hands wash each other.

Fish begins to stink at the head.

Literal: Fish rots from the head.

, ,
.

He makes his home where the living is best.

Literal: Fish seek for a deep place, men seek
for a better place.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Literal: A fisherman can tell another
fisherman from afar.

, -
.

Live with wolves, and you learn to howl.

Literal: To live with wolves, you have to howl
like a wolf.

The higher you are, the farther you fall.

-- .

Out of sight, out of mind.

Literal: Out of sight, out of heart.

Never bray at an ass.

,
.

Those who sleep with dogs will rise with

fleas; You are what your friends are.
Literal: From anyone you are in contact you
will ever accept something.

Love in a cottage.

--
.

Little and often fill the purse.

Literal: Thread off the world -- shirt for
naked.

--
.

It is good to gain even a flock of wool from

the black sheep.
Literal: From a scabby sheep, it's better to
get at least a flock of wool than nothing at
all.

,
.

, .

Literal: Don't fight with the strong one, don't

sue the rich one.
You've made your bed, now lie in it.
Literal: You cooked it, so eat it yourself.

 ,
.

Literal: You might die yourself, but you must

save the friend.

.
Literal: A pig will find mud anywhere.
.

To make ends meet.

.
Literal: You can't move faster than your
shadow.
-- .

There is no place like home.

A burden of one's own choice is not felt

Literal: One's own burden doesn't encumber.

Charity begins at home.

Literal: One's own shirt is closer to the body.

Nature abhors a vacuum; The throne is never

vacant
Literal: Holy place is never empty.

, .

Business before pleasure; Work hard, play

hard.
Literal: When you have done the job, you
may take a walk boldly.

, .

Young saints make old sinners.

Literal: Grey hair into beard, devil into rib.

For one that is missing there's no spoiling a

wedding.
Literal: Seven people don't wait for one.

-- .

As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.

Literal: Seven troubles -- one response.

,
.

To talk a lot of hot air.

Literal: Seven versts to heaven, and all the
way through the forest.

, .

Score twice before you cut once.

Literal: Measure seven times, cut once.

,
.

,
.

Literal: Seven axes lie together, and two

distaves -- apart

Literal: Heart with pepper, soul with garlic.

, .

Violence is the last refuge of the

incompetent.

Might goes before right.

You cannot force people to like you.

- .

The pitcher goes often to the well, but is

broken at last; It will catch up with you in the
end.
Literal: However muchwould the string wind,
the end will be reached anyway

,
.

He that will steal a pin will steal a pound.

Literal: The wolf being fed enough
nevertheless looks in the forest.

,
.

So many countries, so many customs.

,
.

Easier said than done.

Literal: The tale is told quickly, but the job is
done slowly.

A creaking door hangs long on its hinges.

Literal: Creaky wood stands during two
centuries.

If you buy cheaply, you pay dearly., Cheap

and nasty, expensive and tasty.
Literal: The stingy one pays twice.

,
.

Day-by-day a day goes by.

Literal: The day is boring until the evening if
there's nothing to do.

Literal: The tambourines are good when they

are behind mountains.
-- : - .

A word spoken is past recalling.

Literal: A word is not a sparrow, once it flies
out, you won't catch it.

-- , - .

Talk is cheap, silence is golden.

Literal: Word is silver, silence is gold.

News spreads like wildfire; News flies fast.

Literal: The rumour fills the Earth.

, ,
.

You told it through your hat.

Literal: you heard the ring, but don't know
where.

Courage overcomes all obstacles.

Literal: Bravery takes cities.

,
.

When the death comes no tricks can help

you.

, .

First think, then speak.

,
.

What's done is done.

Literal: After taking off the head one
doesn't(shouldn't) bewail the hair.

, .

Barking dogs seldom bite.

,
.

A dog in the manger.

Literal: A dog on the hay: will neither eat it
himself, nor let others eat it.

Fine words butter no parsnips.

Literal: The nightingale can't be fed by
fables.

A little bird told me.

Literal: A magpie brought it on its tail.

,
.

Ask not the old, but the old-timer.

 - .

An old ape has an old eye; Old age, boy, is

no joy.
Literal: Old age is no fun.

-
.

Everything is good when new, but friends

when old.
Literal: An old friend is better than two new
ones.

An old ox makes a straight furrow.

Literal: The old horse won't spoil the furrow.

You never know what you can do till you try.

Old birds are not caught with chaff.

Literal: One can't cheat sparrow, who had
been shot at once, with chaff.

Even reckoning makes long friends.

:
, - .

He that is warm thinks all so.

Literal: The sat one doesn't understand the
hungry one: for one the soup is too thin, for
the other -- the pearls are too small.

It's no use preaching to a hungry man.

Literal: The sat one is not a friend of the
hungry one.

, .

Same meat, different gravy.

Literal: The same song, but with a new
melody.

, .

On the other side grass is greener.

Literal: It is good, there where we are not.

.
Literal: Wolf from Tambov is your buddy.
.

Nothing is impossible to a willing mind.

Literal: Patience and work will fray through
anything.

, , .
Literal: Put up wit it, cossack, and you'll be
an ataman.

 -- .

Slow and steady wins the race.

Literal: Ride slower -- you'll get further.

, .

Stuff today and starve tomorrow.

Literal: Sometimes it's dense, sometimes it's
empty.

, ,
, .

Maybe rain or maybe snow, maybe yes or

maybe no.
Literal: It will either rain or snow; it either
will or will not.

Only the good die young.

.
Literal: Only a chicken rakes stuff away from
itself.

.

None but the brave deserve the fair.

Over my dead body.

-- ,
-- .

He that promised too much means nothing.

Literal: While he had been sinking, he
promised an axe, but when pulled ashore,
didn't give even an axe handle.

,
.

Hard work never hurt anyone.

Literal: Job feeds the man, and laziness
spoils him.

,
.

Lip-service; hot air; idle words

Literal: You get on business, but he keeps
telling you about white goat.

, .

Every woman is a rebel, and usually in wild

revolt against herself.

, , ,
.

-- .
,

Literal: Don't be afraid of me, my job, i'm not

going to touch you.
You roll my log and I'll roll yours.
Experienced is not he who is old, but he,

who's seen it all.

Literal: Woman's hair is long, and mind is
short.

.
Literal: Every Paul has his own truth.

.

.

A fool and his money are soon parted.

Literal: Money doesn't stay long with a fool.

Literal: For angry Nataly all the people are

rascals.

Every worm has his weak point.

Every medal has its reverse.

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

Literal: Seven nannies make a kid not looked
after.

Fear hath a hundred eyes.

Literal: Fear has large eyes.

-- .

Winning is earning, losing is learning.

Literal: A loss is a gain for mind.

A bargain is a bargain.
Literal: The agreement is worth more then
money.

"To feel like a lathered horse. "

Literal: Sivka (the horse) became worn out
running through steep hills

-- .

Measure thy cloth ten times, thou canst cut it

but once.
Literal: If you cut it, you won't get it back.

, - .

To move by a snail's pace.

Literal: The snail i going, who knows when it
comeshere.

 ,
.

,
.

The torment is what the thief have to gain.

Literal: If you can steal, be able to be
responsible for it.

Literal: A clever head but given to a fool.

.
Literal: A clever speech (speaker) is pleasant
to listen to.
,
.

,
.

,
.

Literal: A smart person will not climb a

mountain; A smart person will go around it.

Literal: Clever person likes to learn, and the

fool - to teach.

Literal: Moustache is respected and beard is

worn even by goats.

Children and fools tell the truth.

Literal: Truth speaks by the toddler's mouth;
From the mouth of babes

A drowning man will catch at a straw.

Literal: The one who sinks grips even a
straw.

Sleep on it!
Literal: Morning is wiser than the evening.

, .

Knowledge is power.
Literal: Studying is light; not studying is
darkness.

,
,
-- .

,
.

Literal: Teach a child, until he can lay across

a bench, when he will stretch it's whole
length, you'll be unable to teach him.

Literal: The faraoh was proud, but drowned

in the sea.

 , .
Literal: Fedot, yet not the right one.
.

Don't halloo until you are out of the wood.

Literal: Praise the day in the evening.

.
Literal: Titmouse boasted to put sea on fire.

,
.

Deprive a mirror of its silver and even the

Caezar won't see his face.
Literal: The devil boasted to rule the whole
world, but God didn't give him power even
over the pig.

-- ,
.

A boaster and a liar are first cousins.

Literal: Bragging is unlike mowing; it won't
make your back ache.

Bread is the staff of life. / Bread - whole

head!
Literal: Bread is head of everything.

.
Literal: Bread doesn't go for belly.
- , -
.

,
.

,
.

Honesty is the best policy.

Literal: Eat bread and salt, cut the mother
truth

Literal: Rope is good when it's long; speech

is good when it's short.

Literal: Daughter Annuska is good, if praised

by her mother and granny.

, .
Literal: Masha is good, but she's not ours.

.

Second thoughts are best.

Good work speaks for itself.

More than enough is too much.

Good counsel does no harm.

True coral needs no painter's brush.

Literal: Quality goods advertise themselves.

,
.

He laughs best who laughs last.

,
.

Literal: That one is happy, whose Grandma

tells fortunes.

Wishing has no effect.

, .

Better go to bed supperless than rise in debt.

Literal: Naked, but right

,
.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but

words will never hurt me.
Literal: You may call me even a pot, just
don't put me into the oven.

,
.

Literal: Although there's nothing to eat, life

is fun.

He is so pig-headed; Stubborn as a mule.

Literal: You could even hew sticks on his
head.

,
.

He who would catch fish must not mind

getting wet.
Literal: One wants to eat a fish, but doesn't
want to get to water.

,
.

No song, no supper.
Literal: If you want to eat buns, do not lie on
the stove.

There is small choice in rotten apples.

Literal: Horseradish is no sweeter than
radish.

Man was born to trouble.

Literal: Christ endured and told us to.

,
.

One can't forget or forgive.

Better a lean peace than a fat victory.

Literal: A bad peace is better than a good
quarrel.

.
Literal: Bad grass - away from the field.
.

Bad news travels fast.

Literal: Bad news don't stay in the same
place.

Bad news has wings.

Literal: Bad news don't lie at rest.

-- .
Literal: Nothing is worse than waiting or
chasing.
,
, ,
.

Literal: Church is close, but the road is

slippery, pub is far, but the road is easy.

Don't count your chicken before they are

hatched.
Literal: One should count chicks in autumn.

-- .
Literal: Drinking tea is unlike chopping
firewood.
.

One bad thing on the top of another.

Literal: It is not getting easier by an hour.

,
.

Man proposes, but God disposes.

,
.

Before you make a friend, eat a bushel of salt

with him.

, .

Half a loaf is better then none

Literal: We are glad to have what we have.

,
.
,
.

,
.

The more you have, the more you want.

Literal: It doesn't matter what the kid plays

with as long as he doesn't cry.

Literal: The further into the woods, the more

firewood you'll encounter.

Who knows?
Literal: In what ways the devil doesn't joke!

, .

What must be, must be.

Literal: What is to be, can't be avoided.

The leopard cannot change his spots; You

cannot wash charcoal white.
Literal: One can't wash the black dog all the
way to whiteness.

-- .
Literal: Garlic and onions cure seven
diseases.
--
.

Reading is to the mind what exercise to the

body.

, .

Things past cannot be recalled.

Literal: What used to be - is now gone.

, .

Six of one, and half a dozen the other.

,
.

Eyes are the mirror of a heart.

, ?
Literal: Why the noise, if there's no fight?
-- ,
-- .

We do not care of what we have, but we cry

when it is lost.
Literal: What we own, we don't safekeep

properly; when we lose it, we cry.

--
.

Never write what you dare not sign.

Literal: What was written by a pen, cannot
be taken out with an axe.

, .

So many countries, so many customs.

Literal: Another city -- another temper.

, ,
, .

So many countries, so many customs.

Literal: Another city -- another temper,
another village -- another custom.

, .

So many countries, so many customs.

Literal: Another city -- another temper.

--
.

Literal: Whatever a fool makes, he will make

it wrong.

,
.

Have you any idea how much damage that

bulldozer would suffer if I just let it roll
straight over you?
Literal: Whether you hit an owl with a stump,
or a stump with an owl.

, .

As a man sows, so shall he reap.

Literal: What you plant, that you will
harvest.

,
.

One man's meat is another man's poison.

Literal: What is good to a Russian, is death
for a German.

, .

What is lost is lost.

Literal: What fell off the cart, is as good as
gone.

,
. (..)

Little thieves are hanged, but great ones

escape.

,
.

A drunk mans' words are a sober mans'

thoughts.
Literal: What's on sober's mind, is on drunk's
tongue.

 , .

Guilt betrays itself.

Literal: Cat knows who's meat it has eaten.

-- .

The human heart is a mistery.

Literal: Other person's soul is in darkness.

,
.

,
.

--
.

Literal: I can push others' problem away with

my hands, but can't put my own mind to my
own one.
The pot calls kettle black.
Literal: Others' cow could moo, but yours
should better stay silent.

Literal: Sew and cut, and you'll never see

idle times.

"The truth will always out.; What is done by

night appears by day."
Literal: you cannot hide an awl in a sack.

Generosity has no bounds.

,
.

This is nothing compared with what is to

come.
Literal: These are just flowers; berries will
come soon.

, .

The cat did it!

Literal: I am not I, and the horse is not mine.

Like father like son; The apple doesn't fall far

from the tree.
Literal: The apple falls not so far away from
the apple-tree.

--
.

Literal: Berry by berry, a basket will be full.

: ,
.

To loose one's tongue. (Unruly member.)

,
.

The tongue speaks, but the head doesn't

know.

A clever tongue will take you anywhere.

Literal: Your tongue can get you all the way
to Kiev.

-- ,
.

A fool's tongue runs before his wit.

Literal: My tongue is enemy mine, speaks
ahead of mind.

Many words will not fill a bushel.

Don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs.

Literal: Eggs don't teach a hen.