Своя рубашка ближе к телу
With accent marks:
Своя́ руба́шка бли́же к те́лу.
Translation:
Your own shirt is closer to your body.
Meaning:
One's own well-being is more valuable than the interests of other people - this is the meaning of this proverb.
Often, this proverb has a disapproving connotation or an accusation of selfishness.
Other Russian proverbs
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Не место красит человека, а человек место
It is not a place that makes a person look good, but a person that makes a place look good.
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An old friend is better than two new ones.
-
Чем дальше в лес, тем больше дров
The further into the forest, the more firewood is there.
-
Волков бояться – в лес не ходить
Don't go to the woods if afraid of wolves.
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There are no friends for taste and color.
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A bad example is contagious.
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Бесплатный сыр только в мышеловке
Free cheese is only in a mousetrap.
-
Не плюй в колодец – пригодится водицы напиться
Do not spit in the well - you will need it when thirsty
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