Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе
With accent marks:
Лу́чше сини́ца в рука́х, чем жура́вль в не́бе.
Translation:
A titmouse in hands is better than a crane in the sky.
Meaning:
It is better to have at least something but today, than to rely on vague promises but for tomorrow - this is the meaning of this proverb.
It has many variations in different languages. Even the ancient Romans used an expression that can be translated as follows:
- Better a sparrow in hands than a goose in the sky.
The English equivalent of this proverb is "a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush".
Other Russian proverbs
-
Каждый кулик своё болото хвалит
Each sandpiper praises its swamp.
-
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
-
Better late than never.
-
Не так страшен чёрт, как его малюют
The demon is not as scary as he is depicted.
-
Hurry to much and you will make people laugh.
-
Волков бояться – в лес не ходить
Don't go to the woods if afraid of wolves.
-
Не руби сук, на котором сидишь
Do not chop the branch you sit on
-
Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
If you appreciate our work, please consider donating today.
We need the support of readers just like you to continue our work.
Choose an amount for a monthly pledge or a single donation below.
From all our team, thank you for your support.
Subscribe and receive notifications about new Russian proverbs in your inbox
