Бесплатный сыр только в мышеловке
With accent marks:
Беспла́тный сыр то́лько в мышело́вке.
Translation:
Free cheese is only in a mousetrap.
Meaning:
Obtaining any benefit is always associated with costs. If something is free, it's very rare that it doesn't have a hidden catch.
Other Russian proverbs
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Под лежачий камень вода не течёт
Water does not flow under a lying stone.
-
Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе
A titmouse in hands is better than a crane in the sky.
-
На Бога надейся, а сам не плошай
Put your trust in God, but don't make mistakes yourself
-
Волков бояться – в лес не ходить
Don't go to the woods if afraid of wolves.
-
A fisherman sees a fisherman from afar.
-
Your own shirt is closer to your body.
-
When I eat I am deaf and mute.
-
Каждый кулик своё болото хвалит
Each sandpiper praises its swamp.
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