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
-
Волков бояться – в лес не ходить
Don't go to the woods if afraid of wolves.
-
One in the field is not a warrior.
-
Всё хорошо, что хорошо кончается
All is well that ends well.
-
Don’t wave your fists after the fight.
-
Каждый кулик своё болото хвалит
Each sandpiper praises its swamp.
-
The eyes are scared, but the hands are doing.
-
Time for business, an hour for fun.
-
Кто рано встаёт, тому бог подает
(lit.) Whoever gets up early, God gives him
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