Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
With accent marks:
Кабы́ знал, где упа́сть, так соло́мки бы подстели́л.
Translation:
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
Meaning:
You should not reproach yourself and others for the mistakes, erroneous actions, illogical decisions. People often have no idea what could happen to them in the next moment. If they knew, then he would have acted differently, "prepared some straw" so it is not so painful to fall.
Other Russian proverbs
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На Бога надейся, а сам не плошай
Put your trust in God, but don't make mistakes yourself
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Beast runs towards the hunter.
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Poor people are inventive.
-
Не рой яму другому, сам в неё попадешь
Do not dig a hole for another one, you will fall into it yourself.
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С кем поведёшься, от того и наберёшься
With whom you are friends with, from them you will learn.
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Всё хорошо, что хорошо кончается
All is well that ends well.
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Предупреждён – значит вооружён
Forewarned is forearmed.
-
Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе
A titmouse in hands is better than a crane in the sky.
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