Делу время, потехе час
With accent marks:
Де́лу вре́мя, поте́хе час.
Translation:
Time for business, an hour for fun.
Meaning:
This is the expression of the Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich (1629 - 1676) written by him in a book dedicated to falconry.
Meaning: most of the time shoud be dedicated to business (work) and duties, and less time - to entertainment.
It is usually said as a reminder to a person who, having fun, forgets about his duties.
Other Russian proverbs
-
Без труда не выловишь и рыбку из пруда
Without labor, you can not even catch a fish in the pond.
-
A bad example is contagious.
-
Strike the iron while it's hot.
-
Your own shirt is closer to your body.
-
Дарёному коню в зубы не смотрят
Do not look at a given horse's teeth.
-
Don’t wave your fists after the fight.
-
Measure seven times, cut one.
-
Что имеем – не храним, а потерявши – плачем
We don't appreciate what we have but we cry when we lose it.
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