Let's imagine a typical working day in the office. During working hours you can hear a lot of funny phrases. For example, senior managers can encourage their subordinates like this: “It's no use crying over spilled milk. Today we can still achieve great things!” “That's right! Rome wasn’t built in a day,” adds his assistant. Milk? Rome? Iron? WTF?!
It's simple: English proverbs work. Like the Russian language, English is replete with ornate and colorful catchphrases.
To understand their sometimes not entirely transparent meaning, today we present some sayings that will be 100% useful to you in speaking English. C"mon!
Why do you need to learn proverbs in English?
A proverb is a traditional (historical) saying that characterizes a particular country.
Native speakers often use such expressions in everyday conversation, sometimes without even realizing it. Proverbs can tell you more about the culture of the country whose language you are studying than any textbook. Such sayings clearly demonstrate what things or phenomena play a big role for a particular nation, and also help to understand what is considered good manners and what is bad.
Moreover, proverbs sometimes tell about the place where they are often used in speech. For example, the sayings of the inhabitants of farming towns are replete with agricultural language, and in fishing villages you will hear catchphrases about the sea.
Therefore, in order to better understand the English language, below are 45 English proverbs with translation into Russian.
The difficulty of translating English proverbs
The problem with translating English sayings into Russian is that not every one of them is translated literally. This is due primarily to the fact that each country has its own realities, which usually vary from one nation to another.
For this reason, when studying new English-language proverbs, it is recommended to study the etymology and history of their origin, as well as Russian-language equivalents.
Top 45 English sayings and proverbs
Original: Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.
Literally: Don't cross the bridge until you reach it.
Russian equivalent: Don’t say “gop” until you jump over.
Original: Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.
Literally: Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.
Russian equivalent: Don’t make a molehill out of a molehill.
Original: The cat is out of the bag. /Truth will out.
Literally: The cat came out of the bag. / The truth (will) kick out.
Russian equivalent: Everything secret always becomes clear.
Original: Put your best foot forward.
Literally: Put your best foot forward.
Russian equivalent: Try to make the best impression (appear in the best light).
Original: It's better to be safe than sorry.
Literally: Better to be safe than sorry.
Russian equivalent: God protects those who are careful.
Original: Don't bite off more than you can chew.
Literally: Don't bite off more than you can chew.
Russian equivalent: Don’t settle for a piece you can’t swallow. / Don't take on too much.
Original: Still waters run deep.
Literally: Still waters run deep.
Russian equivalent: V still waters there are devils.
Original: Curiosity killed the cat.
Literally: Curiosity killed the cat.
Russian equivalent: Curious Varvara's nose was torn off at the market.
Original: You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
Literally: If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
Russian equivalent: Hand washes hand. / One good turn deserves another. / You - for me, I - for you.
Original: Two wrongs don't make a right.
Literally: Two wrongs do not make (one) right.
Russian equivalent: Evil cannot correct evil. / The second error does not correct the first.
Original: The pen is mightier than the sword.
Literally: The pen is mightier than the sword.
Russian equivalent: A word is worse than a gun.
Original: The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Literally: First the wheel that squeaks is lubricated.
Russian equivalent: Water does not flow under a lying stone. / If you want to live, know how to spin.
Original: No man is an island.
Literally: Man is not an island.
Russian equivalent: Alone in the field is not a warrior.
Original: People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Literally: People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Russian equivalent: He sees a speck in someone else's eye, but does not notice a log in his own. / Pot calls the kettle black?
Original: Birds of a feather flock together.
Literally: Birds of the same feather flock together.
Russian equivalent: A fisherman sees a fisherman from afar. / Your reluctant friend.
Original: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Literally: There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Russian equivalent: Free cheese - only in a mousetrap.
Original: The early bird catches the worm.
Literally: The early bird catches the worm.
Russian analogue: He who gets up early, God gives him. / Whoever stood up first gets the slippers.
Original: Beggars can't be choosers.
Literally: Poor people cannot be selectors.
Russian equivalent: In the absence of fish, there is cancer - fish. / Hunger is not your aunt. / In times of need, all bread is tasty.
Original: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Literally: Beauty (is) in the eye of the beholder.
Russian equivalent: There are no comrades according to taste and color. / Tastes could not be discussed. / Everyone sees beauty in their own way.
Original: A penny saved is a penny earned.
Literally: A penny saved is a penny earned.
Russian equivalent: A penny saves the ruble.
Original: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Literally: Absence makes the heart grow warmer.
Russian equivalent: Love grows stronger in absence. / Further from the eyes - closer to the heart.
Original: A cat may look at a king.
Literally: A cat can look at the king.
Russian equivalent: It is not holy pots that are fired.
Original: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Literally: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Russian equivalent: Half-knowledge is worse than ignorance. / A half-educated person is worse than an unlearned person.
Original: Like father,like son.
Literally: Like father, like son.
Russian equivalent: The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.
Original: All good things must come to an end.
Literally: All good things must come to an end.
Russian equivalent: Little by little of good things. / Not everything is Maslenitsa, Great Lent will come too.
Original: One drop of poison infects the whole tun of wine.
Literally: One drop of poison infects the entire barrel of wine.
Russian equivalent: A fly in the ointment.
Original: Easy come, easy go.
Literally: Easy to come, easy to go.
Russian equivalent: Easy to find, easy to lose. / It came in one fell swoop and went in vain.
Original: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Literally: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Russian equivalent: If you love to ride, you also love to carry a sled.
Original: A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
Literally: A rich dowry is a bed full of thorns.
Russian equivalent: It is better to marry a poor person than to quarrel with a rich one.
Original: A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
Literally: A bad conscience does not need an accuser.
Russian equivalent: A cat smells whose meat it has eaten. / A bad conscience doesn’t let me sleep.
Original: A Jack of all trades is master of none.
Literally: Jack, who takes on many crafts, is not good at any of them.
Russian equivalent: He undertakes everything, but not everything succeeds. / Seven nannies have a child without an eye.
Original: A liar is not believed when he speaks the truth.
Literally: A liar is not believed even when he tells the truth.
Russian equivalent: Once you lie, you become a liar forever.
Original: A little body often harbors a great soul.
Literally: A great soul often lurks in a small body.
Russian equivalent: The spool is small, but expensive.
Original: .
Literally: A rolling stone does not grow moss.
Russian equivalent: Anyone who can’t sit still will never make a fortune. / Walking around the world doesn’t bring you any good.
Original: You cannot teach old dogs new tricks.
Literally: You can't teach old dogs new tricks.
Russian equivalent: Young will go crazy, but old will not change. / You can’t train an old dog to a chain.
Original: Who keeps company with the wolf, will learn to howl.
Literally: He who hangs out with wolves will learn to howl.
Russian equivalent: Whoever you hang out with, that's how you'll gain.
Original: When the fox preaches, take care of your geese.
Literally: When a fox talks about morality, take care of the geese.
Russian equivalent: Shedding crocodile tears. / Beware of the crocodile when he sheds tears.
Original: We never know the value of water till the well is dry.
Literally: We never know how valuable water is until the well dries up.
Russian equivalent: What we have, we don’t keep; having lost it, we cry.
Original: Then throw a stone in one's own garden.
Literally: Throw a stone into your own garden.
Russian equivalent: Put yourself in harm's way.
Original: .
Literally: A leopard cannot change its spots.
Russian equivalent: The grave will correct the hunchback.
Original: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Literally: A bird in your hands is worth two in a bush.
Russian equivalent: Better a bird in the hand than a pie in the sky.
Original: .
Literally: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Russian equivalent: Where it is thin, it breaks.
Original: He that mischief hatches mischief catches.
Literally: He who bears evil receives evil.
Russian equivalent: The cat will shed a mouse's tears.
Original: As the fool thinks, so the bell clinks.
Literally: As a fool thinks, so the bell rings.
Russian equivalent: The law is not written for fools.
Original: .
Literally: Where there is dirt, there are copper coins.
Russian equivalent: You can’t catch a fish from a pond without difficulty. / He who doesn’t take risks doesn’t drink champagne.
And for dessert, we suggest you familiarize yourself with additional English sayings and colorful expressions, divided by topic:
- A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
- A leopard cannot change its spots.
- Where there"s muck there"s brass.
- A rolling stone gathers no moss.
It is quite possible that both of these meanings served to form the expression that has been used in the speech of native English speakers for several centuries now.
The weakest link. Nowadays, we can hear this expression, popular thanks to television programs, in different life situations.
By the way, the program appeared in the UK, and later in many other countries. The point of the show was to demonstrate general knowledge in various fields: from art and philosophy to natural sciences. In fact, it is a well-known fact that any chain will easily break if one of its links is thinner than the others. The phrase began to be used figuratively in the 18th century.
Who would have thought that some proverbs even refer to sayings from the Holy Scriptures. Likewise, the seemingly rather trivial phrase “A leopard cannot change its spots,” taken out of context, actually refers to religion:
"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil."
Can a Cushite change the color of its skin, or a leopard its spots? Likewise, you are incapable of doing good, having learned to do evil.
The expression itself, in the form in which it now exists, appeared in the 20th century, and originated in Yorkshire, England. Word " brass" was once used as the name for copper and bronze coins, and later for all forms of money in Britain in the 16th century. The English satirist, Joseph Hall, wrote in 1597: “It is a shame that inspiration is bought and sold for every peasant’s coin.”
Now it's a slang word. The proverb is rarely used nowadays, although authors use it deliberately when they want to create a character from Yorkshire.
As with all proverbs, it is not the literal meaning that conveys the meaning, but a metaphor. A "rolling stone" refers to a person who is unable to resolve a problem or finish a job and is therefore considered unreliable and unproductive.
Conclusion
Proverbs and sayings are an excellent solution to decorate your conversation with bright and funny phrases. Learn English in a fun way and don't be afraid of new expressions, and we will help you with this.
Big and friendly EnglishDom family
Hi all! As you know, sayings enrich and decorate our speech. It is not for nothing that they have been preserved from ancient times to the present day. This means that our ancestors, understanding their significance, but not knowing how to write, passed on sayings from mouth to mouth from generation to generation. Thus, sayings have become our indispensable folklore, which we use to speak metaphorically about any phenomenon in life.
Sometimes, when communicating with foreigners or when corresponding in English, we want to insert this or that Russian proverb into the conversation, but having carried out its literal translation, we understand that its meaning is completely lost. In such cases, it is necessary to find an analogue of the Russian proverb in English. Today I will try to provide English analogues and translation of the most popular Russian sayings.
And sometimes foreigners will simply not understand this or that saying due to certain reasons. The fact is that a saying is a reflection of a certain national peculiarity. That is, this turn of phrase reflects the temperament, history, culture of the people, some political realities. Therefore, purely Russian metaphors will be completely incomprehensible to the English, just as for us, purely English sayings will remain a mystery, even if we find a good translation.
Here's a clear example:
Travel to Tula with your own samovar.
Then carry coals to Newcastle. (Translation: Carry coal to Newcastle)
For Americans, it is completely incomprehensible why not go to Tula with your samovar, and we don’t understand why they don’t transport coal to Newcastle. But if you understand that these are analogues, then everything falls into place. For a foreigner, it will become clear that Tula is the capital of samovars, and for a Russian, that Newcastle is the birthplace of coal. And in any language, this phrase will mean doing something useless, unnecessary.
As I already said, due to our national characteristics some Russian sayings will not be understandable to those who communicate in English, even with very good translation. Therefore, it is necessary to select appropriate analogues for their native language, if you want to convey a certain thought to your interlocutor, veiling it under a beautiful turn of phrase.
For example, the famous Russian expression "A bargain is a bargain" in English will find an analogue in the phrase “ “A bargain is a bargain” what is translated "A deal is a deal."
Check out some more examples:
Naked sheep are not sheared
A beggar can never be bankrupt. (Translation: A poor man never goes bankrupt)The word is not hard - it doesn’t hit the forehead
Hard words break no bones. (Translation: A strong word does not break bones)You can't spoil porridge with oil
Plenty is no plague. (Translation: Abundance is not a problem)Pan, or it's gone!
Sink or swim! (Translation: Sink or swim!)Shearing a naked sheep.
Then flog a dead horse. (Translation: Whipping a dead horse)
Download more Analogues of Russian sayings in English
As you can see, the British and Americans use completely different words and phrases to convey any phenomenon of life than the Slavs. However, the meaning remains the same. This suggests that all humanity, all nations and all civilizations, no matter what language they speak, are concerned with the same eternal problems: friendship, trust, wealth, labor, human stupidity, etc.
How will it be in English...
There are also sayings in Russian, the translation of which is identical or very similar to English expression. And then there is no need to look for analogues, it is enough to simply find a competent translation that will fully show what this expression means. Therefore, be very careful when you want to insert this or that figurative metaphor into your speech, think about whether the meaning of the phrase will be clear to a foreigner in his native language.
For example, such Russian sayings will be clear to native English speakers if the correct translation is made:
A rolling stone gathers no moss
A rolling stone gathers no mossThe best type of defense is offense
Best defense is attackIn death everyone is equal
Death is the great levelerEasy Come Easy Go
Easy come, easy goTalk less, work more
Least said, soonest mended
Download more Russian sayings with translation to English
If you cannot find an analogue in English, and the meaning of the phrase is lost during translation, then try to find a saying with a similar meaning in Russian, and then try to translate it again. Try not to use metaphors with a pronounced Russian flavor, as they are not understandable to foreigners: Senka’s hat is not right, Trishkin’s caftan, Pancakes are boring even then, The spool is small.
Don’t be afraid to use proverbs, sayings, and quotes in English in your speech. Enrich and decorate your speech with stable expressions, phrases, synonyms, metaphors. Even if you say a phrase incorrectly, you will be asked again or corrected. And knowing at least something and correcting mistakes is much better than knowing nothing and doing nothing.
Therefore, I wish you fruitful and successful activities in any area of your life! Learn, develop, work on yourself! Bye!
English proverbs are a vivid reflection of folk thought, moral values and attitudes. Simple truths characteristic of universal human morality are entrenched in the folk literary heritage, both in English and in other languages. English and Russian proverbs and sayings have much in common; they reflect the life experience of the people. Many English proverbs convey through other images the same meaning (convey the same idea) as Russian ones, although their literal translation does not coincide. An example would be the following proverbs.
English version: There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
Literal translation: There are no free lunches.
Interpretation (meaning): Free things have a hidden price.
Russian variant: Free cheese only comes in a mousetrap.
The process of searching and selecting analogue proverbs is considered fascinating by teachers, students and enthusiasts of learning English. There is not always an equivalent to English proverbs in the Russian language. Such expressions are of keen interest to those interested in language, since they reflect the socio-cultural characteristics of peoples.
By expressing thoughts figuratively in rhymed form, proverbs decorate and diversify the language, making it richer and more colorful.
Perhaps because English is widely spoken and in demand, for more effective learning English grammar uses proverbs in English much more intensively than when studying other languages. Working with students on the text of proverbs helps improve pronunciation, consolidate grammatical skills, enrich vocabulary, develop translation skills and learn to express their thoughts in a foreign language.
Using proverbs as an example:
- practice the most difficult elements of pronunciation - interdental sounds [θ, ð] and nasal sounds [ŋ], which do not exist in the Russian language;
— improve speaking, writing, reading and listening;
- learn grammatical structures.
It is noted that when using proverbs in English, it is much easier to study the plural of nouns, the forms of irregular verbs, degrees of comparison of adjectives, and modal verbs are remembered.
English proverbs in the educational process, in addition to their teaching function, broaden horizons, develop cognitive abilities, influence the formation of moral principles, cultivate a tolerant attitude towards another culture, develop interest and strengthen the motivation for learning English.
English proverbs with translations are presented in large numbers in the section of our portal dedicated to the English language. You can easily pick up English proverbs to solve regular problems at all stages of learning.
Found in books, especially in journalism and fiction. Native speakers may use them without noticing. That’s why “communication formulas” (formulaic language) are convenient because they serve as convenient templates with which you can easily express a thought.
Read also:
Difficulties in translating sayings and proverbs
Speaking about the meaning of proverbs, sayings, idioms, riddles, puns and other works of oral folk art, which are not to be taken literally, the term “equivalent” is usually preferred rather than “translation”.
Some sayings can be translated literally, and their translation will be an exact equivalent of the original: Better late than never - Better late than never. But this is a rather rare case. Often it is better not to translate literally, but to select an equivalent from the Russian language. For example:
- In English: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- Literal translation into Russian: Rome was not built in a day.
In films and literature, when a hero uses a saying, it is often translated as the context requires. Sometimes it is better to translate literally than to take the equivalent from Russian folklore. For example, there is an English proverb “Curiosity killed a cat” - “curiosity killed the cat.” The equivalent can be considered “the curious Varvara’s nose was torn off at the market,” since the meaning is, in general, the same.
But if in a film about a British spy, one MI6 agent reminds another that “curiosity killed a cat,” the remark about Varvara will be inappropriate, it is better to translate it literally or replace it with a suitable expression that conveys the meaning.
Below are 53 popular sayings and proverbs in English. The first 10 are translated literally without any tricks. The remaining 40 are given literal translations and equivalents.
Sayings and proverbs in English that are translated literally
1. Don’t judge a book by its cover.
- Do not judge a book by its cover; Not all that glitters is gold.
2. Strike while the iron is hot.
- Strike while the iron is hot.
3.Better late than never.
- Better late than never.
4. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.
- Don't bite the hand that feeds you.
5. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. 
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket; Don't put everything on one card.
6. My hands are tied.
- My hands are tied.
7. It’s the tip of the iceberg.
- This is the tip of the iceberg.
8.Easy come, easy go.
- Easy Come Easy Go; as it came, so it went; God gave, God took.
9. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.
- the Forbidden fruit always sweet.
10. You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.
- You can't make scrambled eggs without breaking eggs.
Proverbs and sayings in English with Russian equivalents
11. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
- Literally: the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
- Equivalent: it’s good where we are not.
12. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
- Literally: when you are in Rome, do everything as the Romans do.
- Equivalent: they don’t go to someone else’s monastery with their own rules.
13. Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.
- Literally: don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.
- Equivalent: don't make a mountain out of a molehill.
14. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
- Literally: an apple a day, and you don't need a doctor.
- Equivalent: onion for seven ailments.
15. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- Literally: Rome was not built in a day.
- Equivalent: Moscow was not built right away.
16. You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.
- Literally: you make the bed, sleep on it.
- Equivalent: whoever made the mess, it’s up to him to sort it out.
17. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
- Literally: don't count your chickens before they hatch.
- Equivalent: chickens are counted in the fall.
18. Money doesn’t grow on trees.
- Literally: money doesn't grow on trees.
- Equivalent: Money doesn't grow on trees; there is no money lying around on the street.
In Russian, you can say about anything “... it’s not lying on the road (street),” not only about money.
19. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
- Literally: too many cooks spoil the broth (soup).
- Equivalent: seven nannies have a child without an eye.
This refers to a situation where too many people are working on one thing, interfering with each other.
20. Many hands make light work.
- Literally: many hands make light work.
- Equivalent: tackle together - it won’t be too heavy; when there are many hands, the work gets done.
21. Honesty is the best policy.
- Literally: honesty is the best strategy (policy).
- Equivalent: Honesty is the best strategy; the secret becomes apparent; murder will out.
22. Practice makes perfect.
- Literally: practice makes perfect.
- Equivalent: practice makes perfect; repetition is the mother of learning; practice makes perfect.
23. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
- Literally: where there is a will, there is a way.
- Equivalent: whoever wants, will achieve it; If there is a desire, there will be a way.
24.Look before you leap.
- Literally: look before you leap.
- Equivalent: if you don’t know the ford, don’t stick your nose into the water.
It's funny that there is a saying that contradicts this one: He who hesitates is lost. - He who hesitates loses.
25. Beggars can’ t be choosers.
- Literally: poor people don't get to choose.
- Equivalent: Poor people don't have to choose; I wouldn't live to be fat.
26. The early bird catches the worm.
- Literally: the early bird catches the worm.
- Equivalent: whoever gets up early, God provides; who gets up early, good luck awaits him.
27. The cat is out of the bag.
- Literally: the cat got out of the bag.
- Equivalent: the secret has become apparent; the cards are revealed.
28. He who laughs last, laughs longest.
- Literally: he who laughs last laughs longest.
- Equivalent: He who laughs last laughs best.
29. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Literally: better safe than sorry.
- Equivalent: measure seven times - cut once.
30. Old habits die hard.
- Literally: old habits die hard.
- Equivalent: habit is second nature; Old habits are hard to break.
31. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.
- Literally: don't bite off more than you can chew.
- Equivalent: Don't take more than you can take; Don't bite off more than you can chew.
32. Actions speak louder than words.
- Literally: actions speak louder than words.
- Equivalent: people are judged not by words, but by deeds.
33. It takes two to tango.
- Literally: tango is danced together.
- Equivalent: in a quarrel, both are always to blame.
This is usually what they say about quarreling people. It is impossible to start a quarrel alone, just as it is impossible to dance tango alone.
34. It’s no use crying over spilled milk.
- Literally: there is no use crying over spilled milk.
- Equivalent: what's done is done.
35. Lost time is never found again.
- Literally: lost time is never found again.
- Equivalent: lost time cannot be regained.
36. A rolling stones gathers no moss.
- Literally: no moss grows on a rolling stone.
- Equivalent: whoever can’t sit still will not make a fortune.
In Russian there is a similar saying “water does not flow under a lying stone,” but it cannot be called an equivalent, because the meaning is very different. Its essence is that a person needs to work to achieve something, and the meaning English proverb another: a person who constantly changes occupations, places (rolling stone) will not make good (moss).
3 7 . First things first.
- Literally: the main things come first.
- Equivalent: first things first; First things first; First of all - airplanes.
3 8 . Still waters run deep.
- Literally: still waters have deep currents.
- Equivalent: there are devils in still waters; someone else's soul is darkness.
Both equivalents do not accurately convey the essence of the saying. What this means is that just because a person doesn't talk much doesn't mean he doesn't have deep thoughts.
39. If it is not broke, don’t fix it.
- Literally: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
- Equivalent: it works - don’t touch it; don’t touch it, otherwise you’ll break it; best the enemy of the good.
40 . Curiosity killed the cat.
- Literally: curiosity killed the cat.
- Equivalent: curious Varvara’s nose was torn off at the market; curiosity brings no good.
41. Learn to walk before you run.
- Literally: learn to walk before you run.
- Equivalent: not all at once; everything has its turn.
42. Do a little well and you do much.
- Literally: do a little well and you will do a lot.
- Equivalent: less is more.
43. Out of sight, out of mind.
- Literally: out of sight, out of mind.
- Equivalent: out of sight, out of mind.
44. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.
- Literally: if you scratched my back, I'll scratch yours.
- Equivalent: do good and it will come back to you.
45. Ignorance is bliss.
- Literally: ignorance is a blessing.
- Equivalent: ignorance is bliss; the less you know the better you sleep.
46. Every cloud has a silver lining.
- Literally: every cloud has a silver lining.
- Equivalent: every cloud has a silver lining.
47 . Close but no cigar.
- Literally: close, but not a cigar.
- Equivalent: almost, but by; barely counts.
Cigars were traditional prizes in games at fairs. “Close but no cigar” means that you played well, but did not win.
48. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.
- Literally: you can't have your cake and eat it too.
- Equivalent: you can't sit on two chairs.
49. Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.
- Literally: do not cross the bridge before reaching it.
- Equivalent: everything has its turn; solve problems as they arise.
50. Lend your money and lose your friend.
- Literally: borrow money and you will lose a friend.
- Equivalent: to give a loan is to lose friendship.
51. A picture is worth a thousand words.
- Literally: a picture is worth a thousand words.
- Equivalent: it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times.
52. Birds of a feather flock together.
- Literally: birds of the same color stick together.
- Equivalent: a fisherman sees a fisherman from afar; suit is matched to suit; his reluctant brother.
53. No man is an island.
- Literally: a person is not an island.
- Equivalent: alone in the field is not a warrior.
The equivalent is not entirely accurate. It is implied that a person cannot be alone, he by nature is part of a larger one. The expression appears in the epigraph to Hemingway’s novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (excerpt from a sermon English poet and the 17th century priest John Donne):
“There is no person who would be like an Island, in itself, every person is part of the Continent, part of the Land; and if a wave carries the coastal cliff into the sea, Europe will become smaller, and the same if the edge of the cape is washed away or your castle or your friend is destroyed; the death of every Man diminishes me too, for I am one with all Mankind, and therefore do not ask for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for You.”
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. If a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as if a manor of your friend’s or of thine own were. Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for them."
English sayings, included in the list, in most cases are not only translated into Russian, but also accompanied by Russian sayings and proverbs that more or less exactly correspond to them. There are also personal statements by famous Englishmen. A number of British sayings and proverbs are given in several versions, equally common in England.
A bad workman quarrels with his tools. A bad worker is not good with tools. Wed. The master's work is afraid.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. One bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Wed. Don't promise a pie in the sky, but give a bird in your hands.
A bird may be known by its song. The bird can be recognized by its song. Wed. The bird is visible in flight.
A black hen lays a white egg. A black hen lays a white egg. Wed. From a black cow and white milk.
A blind man would be glad to see. A blind man would like to see. Wed. Let's see, said the blind man.
A burnt child dreads the fire. The burned child is afraid of fire. Wed. If you burn yourself on milk, you will blow on water.
A cock is valiant on his own dunghill. The rooster is brave on his dung heap. Wed. Every sandpiper is great in its swamp.
A creaking door hangs long on its hinges. A creaky door hangs on its hinges for a long time. Wed. The creaky tree has stood for two centuries.
A curst cow has short horns. The damn cow has short horns. Wed. To a lively cow God does not give a horn.
A dog in the manger. Dog in a manger. Wed. Dog in the manger.
A drop in the bucket. Wed. A drop in the sea.
A faulted confessed is half redressed. The admitted guilt is half expiated. Wed. A fault confessed is half redressed.
A fly in the ointment. A fly in the balm. Wed. A fly in the ointment.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Wed. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A good beginning is half the battle. A good start is half the battle. Wed. The good start is half the battle.
A good beginning makes a good ending. A good beginning makes for a good ending. Wed. Down and Out trouble started.
A good name is better than riches. Wed. Good fame is better than wealth.
A great ship asks deep waters. Wed. A big ship has a long voyage.
A hard nut to crack. Wed. Strong meat.
A honey tongue, a heart of gall. A tongue of honey, and a heart of bile. Wed. There is honey on the tongue, and ice under the tongue.
A hungry belly has no ears. Wed. A hungry belly is deaf to everything.
A land flowing with milk and honey. The earth flowing with milk and honey. Wed. Milk rivers, jelly banks.
A light purse is a heavy curse. A light wallet is a heavy curse. Wed. The worst of all troubles is when there is no money.
A little body often harbors a great soul. A small body often hides a great soul. Wed. Small spool but precious.
A little fire is quickly trodden out. A small fire is (still) easy to trample. Wed. Spark the carcass before the fire, remove the attack before the impact.
A little pot is soon hot. The small pot heats up quickly. Wed. It's easy to piss off a fool.
A man can die but once. A person can only die once. Wed. Two deaths cannot happen, but one cannot be avoided.
A miss is a good as a mile. Missing is no better than being wrong by a (whole) mile (i.e., if you missed, it doesn’t matter by how much). Wed. A little bit doesn't count.
A penny saved is a penny gained. A penny saved is a penny earned.
A rolling stone gathers no moss. A rolling stone does not grow moss. Wed. Anyone who can't sit still won't do well.
A round peg in a square hole. A round peg in a square hole. Wed. It fit like a cow's saddle.
A stitch in time saves nine. A stitch done on time saves nine others (that is, a stitch done on time saves a lot of labor later).
A storm in a tea-cup. Wed. Storm in a teacup.
A tree is known by its fruit. A tree is known by its fruit. Wed. An apple comes from an apple tree, a cone comes from a spruce tree.
Watched pot never boils. A pot that is being watched never boils (i.e. when you wait, time drags on forever).
A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Wolf in sheep's clothing.
A wonder lasts but nine days. The miracle lasts only nine days (that is, everything becomes boring).
A word is enough to the wise. A word is enough for a smart person. Wed. A smart person hears in half a word.
After death, the doctor. After death - a doctor. Wed. After the fire and for water.
After dinner comes the reckoning. After lunch you have to pay. If you love to ride, you also love to carry sleds.
After dinner, mustard. After lunch, mustard. Wed. After dinner, mustard.
After rain comes fair weather. After the rain comes good weather.
Agues come on horseback, but go away on foot. Diseases come to us on horseback and leave us on foot. Wed. The disease enters in pounds, and comes out in spools.
All cats are gray in the night. Wed. At night all cats are gray.
All covet, all lose. To wish for everything, to lose everything. Wed. If you chase two hares, you won't catch either.
All is fish that comes to his net. Whatever comes into his net is all fish.
All is well that ends well. All is well that ends well.
All sugar and honey. All made of sugar and honey. Wed. Sugar Medovich (about a sugary, insincere person).
All that glitters is not gold. Wed. All that glitters is not gold.
An ass in a lion's skin. Donkey in lion skin.
An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told(author: William Shakespeare). The best thing is the word spoken directly and simply.
An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening. One morning hour better than two evening ones. Wed. The morning is wiser than the evening.
An idle brain is the devil’s workshop. An idle brain is the devil's workshop. Wed. Idleness is the mother of all vices.
An unfortunate man would be drowned in a tea-cup. A loser can be drowned in a cup of tea.
Art is long, life is short. Art is eternal, (and) life is short.
As a tree falls, so shall it lie. As the tree falls, it will lie there.
As black as a crow. Black as a raven.
As bold as brass. Brazen as brass. Wed. Copper forehead.
As busy as a bee. Busy (hardworking) like a bee.
As clear as a day. Clear (clear) as day.
As dead as a door-nail. Dead as a doornail (i.e. without signs of life, lifeless).
As drunk as a lord. Drunk like a lord (i.e., as only a rich man can get drunk). Wed. Drunk as hell.
As fat as butter. Fatty, like butter (i.e. extremely fatty).
As fit as a fiddle. Harmonized like a fiddle (i.e. completely healthy; in excellent health).
As innocent as a babe unborn. Innocent, like an unborn baby (i.e. naive to the extreme). Wed. A real baby.
As large as life. As in life (i.e. life-size; as if alive or in person).
As like as chalk and cheese. It looks like chalk on cheese. Wed. It looks like a nail on a memorial service.
As like as two peas. Similar as two peas. Wed. As two drops of water.
As mad as March hare. He went crazy like a hare in March (i.e., crazy, crazy).
As melancholy as a cat. Melancholic, like a cat (i.e. very sad).
As merry as a cricket. Cheerful as a cricket.
As naked as a picked bone. Naked as a gnawed bone.
As neat as a new pin. Clean as a new pin (i.e. neat, clean).
As old as the hills .
Ancient as the hills. Wed. As old as time.
As pale as a ghost. Pale as a ghost. Wed. Pale as death.
As poor as Job. Poor like Job.
As slippery as an eel. Slippery like an eel (i.e. shifty).
As snug as a bug in a rug. Cozy, like a bug in a carpet (i.e. very cozy).
As sure as eggs in eggs. It is true that eggs are eggs. Wed. Like two and two are four.
As the tree, so the fruit. As is the tree, so is the fruit. Wed. The apple never falls far from the tree.
As thin as a rake. Thin as a rake. Wed. Thin as a sliver.
As true as steel. Loyal as steel (i.e. devoted in soul and body).
As ugly as sin. Wed. Terrible, like (mortal) sin.
As welcome as flowers in May. As desirable as flowers in May (i.e. long-awaited, timely).
As well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb. It doesn’t matter what to be hanged for: a sheep or a lamb. Wed. Seven troubles - one answer.
As wide as the poles apart. Distant, like poles (i.e. diametric opposites).
As you brew, so must you drink. What you have brewed, then disentangle it. Wed. You made the porridge yourself, so you can sort it out yourself.
As you make your bed, so must you lie on it. Wed. As you go to bed, so will you sleep.
As you sow, you shall mow. Wed. What goes around comes around.
Bad news has wings. Bad news has wings. Wed. Bad rumors fly on wings.
Barking dogs rarely bite. Barking dogs rarely bite. Wed. Don't be afraid of a dog that barks.
Beauty lies in lover’s eyes. Beauty is in the eyes of those who love. Wed. Not nice in a nice way, but nice in a nice way.
Be slow to promise and quick to perform. Be not quick to promise, but quick to fulfill. Wed. Without giving a word, be strong, and having given a word, hold on.
Better a glorious death than a shameful life. Better a glorious death than a shameful life.
Better an egg to-day than a hen to-morrow. Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.
Better die standing than live kneeling. It's better to die standing than to live on your knees.
Better late than never. Wed. Better late than never.
Better the foot slip than the tongue. It's better to slip up than to make a mistake. Wed. The word is not a sparrow; if it flies out, you won’t catch it.
Better to do well than to say well. It is better to do well than to speak well.
Between two evils ‘tis not worth choosing. There is no need to choose between two evils. Wed. Horseradish is not sweeter than radish.
Between two stools one goes to the ground. Whoever (sits) between two chairs falls to the ground.
Betwixt and between. Wed. Middle in half; neither this nor that.
Bind the sack before it be full. Tie the bag before it is (to the top) full (i.e. know moderation in everything).
Birds of a feather flock together. Birds of the same plumage gather together. Wed. Birds of a feather flock together.
Blood is thicker than water. Blood is thicker than water (i.e. your brother).
Brevity is the soul of wit(Don't burn down your house to get rid of a mouse.
By doing nothing we learn to do ill. By doing nothing, we learn bad deeds.
By hook or by crook. By hook or by crook. Wed. If we don't wash it, we'll just ride it.
By the street of “By-and-bye” one arrives at the house of “Never”. Along the street “Just about” you will end up in the house “Never” (i.e. you won’t achieve anything by hanging around).
Calamity is man's true touchstone. Misfortune is the best touchstone for a person. Wed. A person is known to be in trouble.
Can the leopard change his spots? Can a leopard get rid of its spots? Wed. Leopard change his spots.
Cat-and-dog life. The life of a cat and a dog (i.e. eternal quarrels).
Charity begins at home. Charity begins (at home). Wed. Your shirt is closer to your body.
Cheap and nasty. Wed. Cheap and nasty.
Choose an author as you choose a friend. Choose a writer the same way you choose a friend.
Claw me, and I'll claw thee. Scratch me and I'll scratch you. Wed. The hand washes the hand.
Curses like chickens come home to roost. Curses, like chickens, return to their roost. Wed. Don’t dig holes for others, you will fall into them yourself.
Custom is a second nature. Wed. Habit is second nature.
Cut your coat according to your cloth. When cutting, proceed from the available material. Wed. Stretch your legs over your clothes.
Death pays all debts. Death pays all debts. Wed. You can't take anything from a dead or naked person.
Debt is the worst kind of poverty. Debt is the worst kind of poverty.
Deeds, not words. Wed. (We need) deeds, not words.
Diamond cut diamond. A diamond is cut by a diamond. Wed. I found a scythe on a stone.
Don’t halloo till you are out of the wood. Don't yell until you're out of the woods. Wed. Don't say "hop" until you've jumped.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Don't put all your eggs in one basket (i.e. don't risk everything you have).
Don’t trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. Don't worry about anxiety until anxiety doesn't bother you. Wed. It won't be bad as long as the bad guy sleeps.
Dot your i's and cross your t's. Dot the i's and dash the t's (i.e., clarify your words).
Easier said than done. Easier (maybe) said than done (i.e. easier said than done).
East or West, home is best. Whether it's East or West, home is better. Wed. Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
Eat at pleasure, drink with measure. Eat to your heart's content, (and) drink in moderation.
Empty vessels make the greatest sound. Empty dishes ring louder. Wed. Empty vessels make the greatest sound.
Enough is as good as a feast.(Having) plenty is the same as feasting. Wed. They do not seek good from good.
Even reckoning makes long friends. Settling accounts strengthens friendship. Wed. The expense of friendship is not a hindrance.
Every bullet has its billet. Every bullet has its purpose. Wed. Everyone has their own plan.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Every cloud has its own silvery edge. Wed. Every cloud has a silver lining.
Every cook praises his own broth. Every cook praises his brew. Wed. There is nothing like leather.
Every country has its customs. Each country has its own customs. Wed. The city is noisy.
Every dog has his day. Every dog has its day (of joy).
Every man has a fool in his sleeve. Everyone has a fool up their sleeve. Wed. Simplicity is enough for every wise man.
Every man has his hobby-horse. Everyone has their own strong point.
Every man's meat. Food for everyone (i.e. something generally available or understandable to everyone).
Every man thinks his own geese swans. Everyone thinks their geese are swans. Wed. Your own little spool is worth more than someone else's.
Every tub must stand on its own bottom. Every tub must stand on its own bottom (i.e., everyone must take care of themselves).
Everything comes to him who waits. Everything comes to the one who waits (i.e., whoever waits will wait).
Everything is good in its season. Everything is good in due time. Wed. Every vegetable has its time.
Experience keeps no school; she teaches her pupils singly. Experience has no (general) school; He teaches his students separately (that is, you learn from your own experience).
Extremes meet. Extremes meet.
Faint heart never won fair lady. A timid heart has never won the heart of a beauty. Wed. Cheek brings success.
Fair field and no favor. Fair field (struggle) and no advantages (ie equal conditions for everyone).
Familiarity breeds contempt. Familiarity breeds contempt.
First catch your hare, then cook him. First catch the hare, and then roast it. Wed. Without killing a bear, do not sell the skins or share the skin of an unkilled bear.
First come, first served. Whoever came first was served first. Wed. Those who came late will have a gnawed corn.
First think, then speak. Think first, (and then) say. Wed. If you say it, you won’t turn it back.
Forewarned is forearmed. Those who are forewarned are forearmed in advance. Wed. Warning is the same as caution.
Fortune favors the brave. Happiness favors the brave.
Four eyes see more than two. Four eyes see more than two. Wed. A mind is good, but two are better.
Friends are thieves of time. Friends are thieves of time.
From pillar to post. From pillar to post (i.e. back and forth, from one difficulty to another).
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice(Good health is more valuable than wealth.
Grasp all, lose all. To seize everything (means) to lose everything.
Great barkers are no biters. Loud barks don't bite. Wed. The dog barks - the wind blows.
Great boast, small roast. A lot of boasting, (yes) a little fried. Wed. There is silk on the belly, and a crack in the belly.
Great cry and little wool. Lots of screaming, but not enough fur. Wed. There is a lot of noise, but little action.
Great wits jump. Great minds come together.
Habit curses habit.(One) habit is cured by (another) habit.
‘Hamlet’ without Prince of Denmark."Hamlet" without the Prince of Denmark. Wed. Scrambled eggs without eggs.
Handsome is as handsome does. He is beautiful who acts beautifully (i.e., one should judge only by his deeds).
Hang by a thread. Wed. Sitting by a thread.
Hasty climbers have sudden falls. Those who hastily climb suddenly fall. Wed. If you hurry, you will make people laugh.
Hawks will not pick hawks’ eyes out. A hawk will not peck out a hawk's eyes. Wed. A raven will not peck out a crow's eye.
He dances well to whom fortune pipes. He who gives quickly gives twice (that is, help provided on time is twice as expensive).
He goes long barefoot that waits for dead men’s shoes. He who waits for the shoes that will remain after the deceased walks barefoot for a long time.
He jests at scars, that never felt a wound(author: William Shakespeare). He laughs at the scars who has never been wounded. Wed. The tooth on someone else's cheek doesn't hurt.
He knows how many beans make five. He knows how many beans are in five pieces (that is, he understands what's what).
He laughs best who laughs last. Wed. He who laughs last laughs best.
He should have a long spoon that sups with the devil. Whoever dines with the devil must stock up on a long spoon.
He that has a full purse never wanted a friend. Whoever has a full purse will have enough friends. Wed. To whom happiness is friends, so are people.
He that is full of himself is very empty. He who is full of himself is (in fact) very empty.
He that never climbed, never fell. Those who have never climbed (up) have never fallen. Wed. The one who does nothing makes no mistakes.
He that will steal an egg will steal an ox. Whoever steals the egg will also steal the bull.
He that would eat the fruit must climb the tree. Whoever wants to eat the fruit must climb the tree. Wed. If you love to ride, you also love to carry sleds.
He that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens. He who wants to have eggs must endure the clucking of hens.
He who pleased everyone died before he was born. The one who pleased everyone died before he was born. Wed. You can't please everyone.
He who would search for pearls must dive below(author: John Dryden). Anyone who wants to look for pearls must dive deep.
He will never set the Thames on fire. He'll never light the Thames. Wed. He won't invent gunpowder.
Hell is paved with good intentions. Hell is paved with good intentions.
His fingers are all thumbs. Every finger is a thumb (about an awkward person).
Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad dinner (that is, when it does not come true at the end of life).
Hunger breaks stone walls. Hunger breaks down stone walls. Wed. Need will teach you everything.
Hunger is the best sauce. Hunger is the best seasoning. Wed. Hunger is the best cook.
Hungry as a hunter. Hungry like a hunter. Wed. Hungry as wolf.
If ifs and ans were pots and pans. If only (all these) “ifs” and “ifs” were pots and pans. Wed. If wishes were horses beggars might ride.
If the cap fits, wear it. If the hat suits you, wear it (i.e. if you take the comment personally, so be it).
If the sky falls, we shall catch larks. If the sky falls, we'll catch the larks. Wed. If only, if only.
If we can"t as we would, we must do as we can. If we cannot do it as we would like, we must do it as we can.
If wishes were horses, beggars might ride. If wishes were horses, beggars could ride.
If you run after two hares, you will catch neither. Wed: If you chase two hares, you won’t catch either.
If you want a thing well done, do it yourself. If you want something done well, do it yourself. Wed. Your eye is a diamond.
Ill-gotten gains never prosper. Ill-gotten gains are not good for future use.
In black and white. Wed. Black and white (ie obvious).
In borrowed plumes. In other people's (literally borrowed) feathers. In borrowed plumes.
In for a penny, in for a pound. Once you risk a penny, you need to risk a pound (sterling). Wed. I picked up the tug, don’t say it’s not strong.
Iron fist in a velvet glove. An iron fist in a velvet glove. Wed. Softly lays - hard to sleep.
It goes without saying. It goes without saying.
It is a good horse that never stumbles. A good horse is the one that never stumbles. Wed. The horse has four legs, and he stumbles.
It is a long lane that has no turning. A road without turns is long (meaning: a straight road seems longer than it is).
It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest. A bad bird is one that soils its own nest. Wed. Wash dirty linen in public.
It is an ill wind that blows nobody good. A bad wind is one that brings no good to anyone.
It is enough to make a cat laugh. This is enough to make the cat laugh. Wed. The chickens laugh.
It is a good fishing in troubled waters. It's good (easy) to fish in troubled water.
It is ill to waken sleeping dogs. Sleeping dogs should not be awakened.
It is never too late to learn. It's never too late to learn.
It is no use crying over spilled milk. There's no point in crying over spilled milk. Wed. Tears of sorrow will not help.
It is the early bird that catches the worm. The first bird gets the worm. Wed. Good luck awaits those who get up early.
It never rains but it pours.(Troubles) fall not in rain, but in downpour.
It rains cats and dogs. Wed. It's raining cats and dogs.
It"s not the gay coat that makes the gentleman. Dressy clothes do not make a gentleman (i.e. clothes do not make a man).
Jack of all trades and master of none. A person who takes on everything and knows how to do nothing.
Keep a thing seven years and you will find a use for it. Keep an item for seven years, and you will be able to benefit from it (that is, in the end, any item can be useful).
Last, but not least. Last (in number), but not least (in importance).
Let bygones be bygones. What is past is past; Let's not remember the past.
Let sleeping dogs lie. Don't wake sleeping dogs. Wed. Don't wake up the dashing one while the dashing one is sleeping.
Let well (enough) alone. Don't touch what is (already) good. Wed. They do not seek good from good.
Liars have need of good memories. Liars need a good memory (so as not to give themselves away).
Life is but a span. Life is short.
Like a cat on hot bricks. Like a cat on hot bricks (that is, not at ease, as if on pins and needles).
Like a needle in a bundle of hay. Like a needle in a bale of hay. Wed. The needle hit the haystack and it was lost.
Like begets like. Like begets like.
Like cures like. Like is cured by like.
Like greased lightning. Like greased lightning (that is, with the greatest speed).
Like master, like man. As is the owner, so is the worker. Wed. As is the pop, so is the arrival.
Like will to like. Like tends to like. Wed. Looking for his own.
Little pitchers have long ears. Small jugs have big handles (meaning: small children have big ears, i.e. children like to listen to things they are not supposed to).
Little strokes fell great oaks. Weak blows fell large oaks. Wed. Drop by drop and the stone is chiseled.
Live and learn. Live and learn. Wed. Live and learn.
Look before you leap. Look before you leap. Wed. Try it on seven times, cut it once.
Look not a gift horse in the mouth. Wed. They do not look at a given horse's teeth.
Lost time is never found again. Lost time can never be regained.
Love in a cottage. Love in a hut. Wed. With a sweetheart, heaven and in a hut.
Love me, love my dog.(If) you love me, love my dog too.
Make hay while the sun shines. Make hay while the sun shines. Wed. Strike while the iron is hot.
Many a good father hated but a bad son. Many good fathers have bad sons. Wed. Every family has its black sheep.
Many a little makes a mickle. Small things make up big things. Wed. With the world on a thread - a naked shirt.
Many a true word is spoken in jest. Many true words are spoken as a joke (that is, there is some truth in every joke).
Many men, many minds. How many people, so many minds (i.e. people's opinions are different).
Many wishes but few will. Many have the desire (to do something), but few have the will.
Many words hurt more than swords. Many words hurt more than swords.
Many words will not fill a bushel. Many words cannot fill a bushel (measure). Wed. You can't make a fur coat out of a word.
Measure your cloth ten times; thou canst cut it but once. Measure the cloth ten times: you can cut it only once.
Misfortunes never come alone (single). Troubles never come alone. Wed. Trouble has come, open the gate.
Money makes the mare (to) go. Money (and) the mare makes her go.
Much ado about nothing. Much ado about nothing.
Much water has flown under the bridges since that time. Much water has flowed under the bridges since then.
Much will have more. Much will have more. Wed. Money goes to money.
Murder will be out. The murder will be revealed. Wed. Murder will out.
Mutual admiration society. Mutual admiration society. Wed. The cuckoo praises the rooster because he praises the cuckoo.
Neat as a new pin. Neat as a new pin. Wed. Brand new.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Necessity is the mother of invention. Wed. Need will teach you to eat rolls.
Neck or nothing. All or nothing. Wed. Hit or miss.
Needs must when the devil drives. It has to be when the devil drives it (i.e. nothing can be done against necessity). Wed. You can't break the butt with a whip.
Neither fish nor flesh. Wed. Neither fish nor fowl.
Neither here nor there. Neither here nor there. Wed. Neither to the village, nor to the city.
Neither rhyme nor reason. No rhyme, no meaning. Wed. Neither rhyme nor reason.
Never cast dirt into that fountain of which thou hast sometime drunk. Never throw dirt into a spring from which you have ever drunk. Wed. Don't spit in the well - you'll need to drink the water.
Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
New brooms sweep clean. Wed. The new broom sweeps cleanly.
No living man all things can. No living person can do everything (i.e., it is impossible to be a jack of all trades).
No man can serve two masters. You cannot serve two masters.
No news (is) good news. No news is good news (when you can expect hard news).
No pains, no gains. Without work there is no income.
No song, no supper. No song, no dinner. Wed. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
No sweet without (some) sweat. To get sweets, you need to sweat. Wed. Without tasting the bitter, you will not see the sweet.
None so deaf as those who won't hear. No one is so deaf as those who do not want to hear.
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. For a heart filled with the desire to do something, nothing is impossible. Wed. If there was a hunt, there would be an opportunity.
Nothing succeeds like success. Nothing succeeds like success itself. Wed. Whoever follows it, the rooster will fly.
Nothing venture, nothing have. To risk nothing (means) to have nothing. Wed. If you're afraid of wolves, don't go into the forest.
On Shanks's mare. Wed. On your own.
Once bitten, twice shy. Once bitten, he is doubly fearful. Wed. The frightened crow is afraid of the bush.
One drop of poison infects the whole tun of wine. One drop of poison contaminates the entire barrel of wine.
One good turn deserves another. One good service deserves another. Wed. Service for service or debt in payment is red.
One man, no man. One (it’s the same as) no one (i.e. one doesn’t count). Wed. There is safety in numbers.
One man's meat is another man's poison. What is food for one is poison for another.
One nail drives out another. One nail drives out another. Wed. Fight fire with fire.
One scabbed sheep will mar a whole flock. Wed. One black sheep spoils the whole flock.
One swallow does not make a summer. Wed. One swallow does not make spring.
One to-day is worth two to-morrow. One thing today is worth two tomorrow.
One woe doth tread upon another's heels. One grief follows on the heels of another.
Opportunity makes the difference. Chance makes the thief. Wed. Don’t misplace it, don’t lead the thief into sin.
Out of sight, out of mind. Out of sight, out of mind. Wed. Out of sight, out of mind.
Over shoes, over boots.(Once) higher than boots, (then) higher than boots. Wed. I picked up the tug, don’t say it’s not strong.
Penny-wise and pound-foolish. Penny smart and pound stupid (i.e. risks big for little).
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. People living in glass houses should not throw stones.
Plenty is no plague. Excess is not a problem. Wed. You can't spoil porridge with butter.
Poverty is no sin. Poverty is not a sin. Wed. Poverty is not a vice.
Pride goes before a fall. Pride comes before a fall. Wed. The devil was proud and fell from the sky.
Procrastination is the thief of time. Procrastination is the thief of time.
Promise little, but do much. Promise little, but deliver a lot.
Put not your hand between the bark and the tree. Don't put your hands between the bark and the tree. Wed. Your own dogs fight, don’t pester someone else’s.
Roll my log and I will roll yours. Roll my log, and I'll roll yours. Wed. One good turn deserves another.
Rome was not built in a day. Rome was not built in a day. Wed. Moscow was not built right away.
Scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings. Disgusted dogs will have to eat mud pies. Wed. Take a lot of things apart and you won't see it.
Second thoughts are best. Meaning: before smth. do, think twice.
Self is a bad counselor. Personal feelings are a bad advisor.
Silence gives consent. Wed. Silent means consent.
Silent as the grave. Silent as the grave. Wed. Silent as a fish.
Since Adam was a boy. When Adam was still a child. Wed. Under Tsar Gorokh.
Sink or swim. Sink or swim. Wed. Was not.
Six of one and half dozen of the other. Six of one and half a dozen of the other (i.e. one and the same). Wed. Either in the forehead or on the forehead.
Small rain lays great dust. A light rain blows down the thick dust. Wed. Small spool but precious.
So many countries, so many customs. There are so many countries, so many customs.
So many men, so many minds. So many people, so many minds.
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark(author: William Shakespeare). Something is rotten in the Kingdom of Denmark (i.e., something wrong is going on here).
Speech is silver but silence is gold. Wed. The word is silver, silence is gold.
Still waters run deep. Still waters have deep currents. Wed. Still waters run deep.
Strike while the iron is hot. Wed. Strike while the iron is hot.
Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves. Take care of the pence, and the pounds (sterling) will take care of themselves. Wed. A kopeck saves the ruble.
Take time by the forelock. Seize time by the forelock (i.e. don’t miss an opportunity).
Take us as you find us. Take us (as they find us) (i.e. with all our strengths and weaknesses). Wed. Love us black, and everyone will love us white.
Talk of the devil and he is sure to appear. Talk about the devil and he's right there. Wed. joking Easy to remember.
Tarred with the same brush. Painted with the same brush. Wed. They are smeared with the same world.
Tastes differ. Tastes differ. Wed. Tastes could not be discussed.
Tell that to the marines. Tell that to the Marines. Wed. Tell this to your grandmother.
That cock won't fight. This rooster won't fight. Wed. This number won't work.
That is a horse of another color. This is a horse of a different color. Wed. This is a completely different matter.
That's where the shoe pinches. This is where the shoe pinches (that is, this is the rub). Wed. That's where the dog is buried.
The beggar may sing before the thief. A beggar can chant in the face of an enemy. Wed. A naked man is not afraid of robbery.
The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good. The best is often the enemy of the good.
The busiest man finds the most leisure. Most busy man finds the most leisure.
The cat would eat fish and would not wet her feet. The cat would like to eat fish, but is afraid to get its paws wet. Wed. And I want and inject.
The chain is no stronger than its weakest link. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. Wed. Where it's thin, that's where it breaks.
The cobber's wife is the worst shod. The shoemaker's wife has the worst shoes of all. Wed. The shoemaker goes without boots.
The devil is not so black as he is painted. Wed. The devil is not as terrible (literally black) as they say he is.
The evils we bring on ourselves are hardest to bear. The misfortunes we inflict on ourselves are the heaviest of all.
The exception proves the rule. Exception proves the rule.
The fat is in the fire. The fat is (already) on the fire (i.e. the job is already done).
The first blow is half the battle. The first blow is half the battle.
The game is not worth the candle. It is not worth it.
The last drop makes the cup run over. The last drop fills the cup.
The last straw breaks the camel's back. The last straw breaks the camel's back.
The least said, the soonest mended. The less said, the sooner it is corrected. Wed. More action, less words.
The mill cannot grind with the water that is past. The mill cannot grind with leaking water. Wed. What happened has passed away.
The more haste, the less speed. The more haste, the less speed. Wed. If you hurry, you will make people laugh.
The mountain has brought forth a mouse(author: Aesop). The mountain gave birth to a mouse. Wed. Much ado about nothing.
The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. The closer to the bone, the sweeter the meat. Wed. Leftovers are sweet.
The pitcher goes often to the well but is broken at last. The jug often goes to the well, but in the end it breaks. Wed. The jug got into the habit of walking on water (here he broke his head).
The pot calls the kettle black. The pot calls the cauldron black (even though it itself is no whiter). Wed. Whose cow would moo, and yours would be silent.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. To find out what the pudding is like, you need to taste it (that is, everything is tested by practice).
The rotten apple injures its neighbors. A spoiled apple spoils its neighbors.
The wind cannot be caught in a net. You can't catch the wind with a net. Wed. Look for the wind in the field.
There are more ways to the wood than one. There is more than one road leading into the forest. Wed. The light did not converge like a wedge.
There is no place like home.(Native) home is the best place. Wed. Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
There is no rose without a thorn. Wed. There is no rose without thorns.
(There is) no smoke without fire. Wed. There is no smoke without fire.
There's many a slip "tween(= between) the cup and the lip. A lot can happen in the time it takes to raise the cup to your lips. Wed. Grandma said this in two.
There's no use crying over spilled milk. It is useless to shed tears over spilled milk (i.e. tears will not help grief). Wed. Whatever fell from the cart was lost.
They are hand and glove. They (inseparable or friendly) are like a hand and a glove. Wed. The devil himself tied them with a string.
Time and tide wait for no man. Time waits for no one.
To add fuel to the fire (flame). Pour oil on the flame.
To angle with a silver hook. Fish with a silver hook (i.e. act with bribery).
To be between the upper and nether millstone. Located between the upper and lower millstones. Wed. Between a rock and a hard place.
To be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth. To be born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Wed. To be born in a shirt.
To be head over ears in debt. Wed. Being deeply in debt.
To bear the lion in his den. Attack the lion in his own lair (i.e., bravely stand against an experienced and dangerous opponent).
To be up to the ears in love. Wed. To be head over heels in love.
To beat about the bush. Walk around the bush. Wed. To beat around the bush.
To beat the air. To beat the air (i.e. to do something pointless or fruitless). Wed. Pound water in a mortar.
To break the ice. Break the ice (i.e. break the silence, start an acquaintance).
To bring grist to the mill. Carry grain to the mill. Wed. To be grist for someone's mill.
To buy a pig in a poke. Wed. Buy a pig in a poke.
To call a spade a spade. Call a shovel a spade. Wed. Call a spade a spade.
To carry coals to Newcastle. Transport coal to Newcastle. Wed. Travel to Tula with your own samovar.
To carry fire in one hand and water in the other. Carry fire in one hand and water in the other (i.e. say one thing and think another).
To carry the war into the enemy's country. Transfer the war to enemy territory.
To cast pearls before swine. Wed. Cast pearls before swine.
To cast prudence to the winds. Throw prudence to the wind. Wed. Go all out.
To come off cheap. Wed. Get off cheap.
To come off with a whole skin. Come out with your skin intact.
To come off with flying colors. To leave (the battlefield) with banners flying (i.e., to achieve decisive success).
To come out dry. Come out (of the water) dry.
To come out of the battle unscathed. Leave the battle unharmed.
To cook a hare before catching him. Roast the hare before he is caught.
To cool one's heels. Let your heels cool (i.e. wait a long time).
To count one "s chickens before they are hatched. Count your chicks before they are hatched. Wed. Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
To cross the Rubicon. Cross the Rubicon (i.e. take an irrevocable step).
To cry with one eye and laugh with the other. Cry with one eye but laugh with the other (i.e. being two-faced).
To cut blocks with a razor. Cutting blocks with a razor (i.e. damaging a valuable tool by using it for other purposes).
To cut one's throat with a feather. Cut someone's throat with a feather. Wed. Drown in a spoon of water.
To draw the long bow. Draw a big bow (i.e. exaggerate). Wed. Drown in a spoon of water.
To fall out of the frying-pan into the fire. Fall out of the frying pan into the fire. Wed. To fall from the frying pan into the fire.
To feel the pulse. Feel the pulse (i.e. probe the soil).
To fiddle while Rome is burning. Play the violin while Rome burns. Wed. Feast in Time of Plague.
To fight with one's own shadow. Fight with your own shadow (i.e. with an imaginary obstacle). Wed. Fight windmills.
To find a mare's nest. Find the mare's nest. Wed. Point your finger at the sky.
To fish in troubled waters. Wed. Fishing in troubled waters.
To fit like a glove. Fits like a glove (i.e. fits just right).
To flog a dead horse. Whipping a dead horse (i.e., achieving the clearly impossible, engaging in a useless task). Wed. Flog a dead horse.
To get out of bed on the wrong side. Wed. Stand on your left foot.
To give a lark to catch a kite. Give up the lark, catch the kite. Wed. Change the cuckoo to a hawk.
To give someone an inch and he"ll take an ell. Wed. Give him a finger and he'll bite off your whole hand (ell is an old measure of length equal to 108 cm).
To give the devil his due. Give credit (even) to the devil.
To go for wool and come home shorn. Go for wool and return shorn (i.e., gain nothing, but lose yours).
To go through fire and water (or through thick and thin). Wed. Go through fire and water.
To have a finger in the pie. To put a finger in the pie (i.e. to be involved in something, to have a hand in something).
To have a single string to one"s bow. Have a second string for your bow (i.e. have another means in reserve).
To have art and part in something. To take part in something, to be involved in something.
To have other fish to fry. There are other fish to fry (i.e., there are other, more important things to do).
To have pins and needles (in one's leg, foot, etc.). Feel (in the leg, etc.) pins and needles (i.e., stabbing after numbness).
To hit the nail on the head. Tap the nail on the head. Wed. Get to the point.
To hope against hope. Still (no matter what) hope.
To keep a dog and bark oneself. Keep a dog and bark yourself (i.e., do not know how to use the available means).
To keep one's head above water. Keep your head above water (i.e. don't go to the bottom, don't give up).
To keep the wolf from the door. Do not allow the wolf to the door (i.e. fight the need; somehow get by).
To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs(Kill two birds with one stone.
To know everything is to know nothing. To know everything means to know nothing.
To know on which side one bread is buttered. Know which side of the bread is buttered. Wed. Know what's what.
To know what's what. Know what and how.
To lay by for a rainy day. Put off about a rainy day. Wed. Set aside for a rainy day.
To live from hand to mouth. Live by the principle: what you earn, you eat (barely survive).
To lock the stable-door after the horse is stolen. Locking the stable door when the horse is (already) stolen. Wed. After a fight they don’t wave their fists.
To make a cat's paw of someone. Making someone a cat's paw (i.e., your obedient tool).
To make a mountain out of a molehill. Making a mountain out of a molehill. Wed. To make mountains out of molehills.
To make an omelet without breaking eggs. Making scrambled eggs without breaking eggs (i.e. achieving something without spending effort and money).
To make bricks without straw. Making bricks without straw (i.e. obviously working in vain).
To make both ends meet. Wed. Make ends meet.
To make the cup run over. Fill the bowl over the top. Wed. Pull the string. Go too far.
To make two bites of a cherry. Eat a cherry by biting it into two halves (i.e., putting unnecessary effort into a simple task).
To measure another man"s foot by one"s own last. Trying someone else's foot on your own last. Wed. Measure to your own yardstick.
To measure other people's corn by one's own bushel. Measuring someone else's grain with your own bushel.
To mind one's P's and Q's. Don't confuse p with q (i.e., beware of mistakes; don't make mistakes).
To pay one back in one's own coin. Pay someone with the same coin.
To pick one to pieces. To tear someone to pieces (i.e. to smash to smithereens; to criticize; to scold).
To pick the plums out of the pudding. Choose (for yourself) the raisins from the pudding (leaving for others what is worse).
To play with fire. Play with fire.
To plow the sand. Plow sand. Wed. Pound water in a mortar.
To pour water into a lie. Wed. Pour water into the sieve.
To put a finger on the right spot. Put your finger in the (proper) place (i.e. get to the point, understand the essence of the matter).
To put a spoke in somebody's wheel. Wed. Put a spoke in wheel.
To put into the melting pot. Place in a melting crucible (i.e. undergo a complete rework).
To pull off till Doomsday. Postpone until the day of judgment (i.e. forever). Wed. Postpone until the second coming.
To put one's best foot (leg) first. Meaning: hurry with all your might.
To put out a feeler. Stick out a tentacle (i.e. feel the soil).
To put the cart before the horse. Put the cart before the horse (i.e. do it topsy-turvy).
To pull the chestnuts out of the fire for somebody. To pull (for someone) chestnuts out of the fire (i.e. to rake the heat for someone with your own hands).
To rob one's belly to cover one's back. Rob your belly to cover your back. Wed. Trishkin caftan.
To rob Peter to pay Paul. Rob Peter to pay Paul.
To roll in money. Roll around in money. Wed. Chickens don't eat money.
To save one's bacon. Wed. Save your skin.
To sell the bear's skin before one has caught the bear. Sell the bear skin before the bear is caught.
To stew in one's juice. Boil in your own juice.
To stick to somebody like a leech. Stick to someone like a leech. Wed. Stick to someone like a bath leaf.
To take counsel of one's pillow. Consult your pillow (i.e. think about it overnight).
To take the bull by the horns. Take the bull by the horns.
To teach one's grandmother to suck eggs. Teach your grandma how to suck eggs. Wed. Teach a scientist.
To tell tales out of school. Talking outside the school walls. Wed. Wash dirty linen in public.
To throw a sprat to catch a mackerel. Throw a sprat to catch a mackerel (i.e. sacrifice a little to gain more).
To throw dust in one's eyes. Wed. Throw dust in someone's eyes.
To turn the tables. Turn the tables (i.e. switch roles).
To turn up trumps. Turn out to be trump cards (i.e. turn out well).
To use a steam-hammer to crack nuts. Use a steam hammer to crack the nuts. Wed. Shoot sparrows from cannons.
To wash one's dirty linen in public. Wash your dirty laundry in public.
To wear one"s heart upon one"s sleeve. Wear your heart on your sleeve. Wed. The soul is wide open.
To work with the left hand. Work with your left hand. Wed. Work carelessly.
To-morrow come never. Tomorrow never comes. Wed. After the rain on Thursday.
To-morrow is a new day. Wed. The morning is wiser than the evening.
Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Wed. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Too much knowledge makes the head bald. Excessive knowledge makes your head go bald. Wed. You will know a lot, you will soon grow old.
Too much of one thing is good for nothing. Too much of one thing is no good. Wed. If you take a closer look, the cute one is more sickening than the hateful one.
Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow(author: William Shakespeare). Excessive haste is just as late as excessive slowness.
Truth is stranger than fiction. Truth is stranger than fiction.
Two heads are better than one. Two heads are better than one. Wed. One head it's good, but two better.
Wait for the cat to jump. Wait until the cat jumps (wait until it becomes clear which way the wind will blow).
We never know the value of water till the well is dry. We never know how valuable water is until the well runs dry. Wed. We don’t keep what we have, we cry when we lose it.
Wealth is nothing without health. Wealth is nothing without health. Wed. Health is more important than money.
Well begun is half done. Well started is half done.
What can't be cured, must be endured. What cannot be healed must be endured.
What's done cannot be done. What is done cannot be undone. Wed. You can't undo what's done.
What's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. What sauce is for the goose is sauce for the gander (i.e., what is good for one is good for others).
When angry, count a hundred. When you get angry, count to one hundred.
When guns speak it is too late to argue. When the guns start talking, it's too late to argue.
When pigs fly. When the pigs fly. Wed. When the cancer whistles.
When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions(author: William Shakespeare). When sorrows come, they come not in individual scouts, but in (entire) battalions.
When the cat is away, the mice will play. When the cat is not around, the mice frolic. Wed. Without a cat, mice have freedom.
When the fox preaches, take care of your geese. When the fox preaches, herd your geese.
When the pinch comes, you remember the old shoe. When the (new) shoe starts to feel tight, you remember the old (shoe). Wed. We don’t keep what we have, we cry when we lose it.
When two Sundays come together. When two Sundays come together. Wed. After the rain on Thursday.
When at Rome, do as the Romans do. When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. Wed. They don’t go to someone else’s monastery with their own rules.
Where there"s a will, there"s a way. Where there is a will, there is a way (i.e. a means). Wed. Where there is will, there is ability.
Who chatters to you, will chatter of you. Whoever speaks evil of you will speak evil of you.
Who has never tasted bitter, knows not what is sweet. Anyone who has never tasted bitter does not know what sweet is.
Who keeps company with the wolf, will learn to howl. He who hangs out with wolves will learn to howl. Wed. Whoever you hang out with, that's how you'll gain. To live with wolves, howl like a wolf.
With time and patience the leaf of the mulberry becomes satin. With time and patience, the mulberry leaf will become satin. Wed. Patience and a little effort.
You cannot catch old birds with chaff. It is impossible to catch old birds on chaff. Wed. shot sparrow you won't get by on chaff.
You cannot fly the same ox twice. Wed. They don't take two skins from one ox.
You cannot judge a tree by its bark. You cannot judge a tree by its bark (i.e. appearances are deceiving).
You can"t eat your cake and have it. You can't have your cake and have it at the same time (i.e. you can't do things that are mutually exclusive).
Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. Zeal without knowledge is a horse with its mouth between its teeth. Wed. Zeal beyond reason brings harm.