Лучшее – враг хорошего
With accent marks:
Лу́чшее – враг хоро́шего.
Translation:
The best is the enemy of the good.
Meaning:
The author of the phrase “the best is the enemy of the good” is considered to be the French philosopher and writer of the 18th century Voltaire. He wrote it in his “Philosophical Dictionary” and the novel “Impatient” ("le mieux est I'ennemi du bien"), although such thoughts were expressed by many others including Shakespeare, J. Bruno, and so on.
The interpretation of this phrase varies, but in Russia it is often understood in the sense that in striving for the best, people often spoil the good.
Other Russian proverbs
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You can't spoil the porridge with butter.
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Береги платье снову, а честь смолоду
Start taking care of the dress while it's new, and of your honor while you are young.
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Poor people are inventive.
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Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
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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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Measure seven times, cut one.
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В чужом глазу соринку видим, а в своём бревна не замечаем
Оne sees the mote in another's eye and ignores the log in his own.
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Some to the forest, some for firewood.
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