Терпи, казак – атаманом станешь!
With accent marks:
Терпи́, каза́к – атама́ном ста́нешь!
Translation:
Be patient, Cossack - you will become an ataman!
Meaning:
This expression is often used in a joking manner to encourage a person to patiently endure difficulties.
The expression itself is a catch phrase from the Gogol's novel "Taras Bulba". When the Cossack army surrounded the city of Dubno and a long siege began, one young Cossack got bored, and Taras said to him: "Be patient, Cossack - you will become an ataman!" Ataman is a Cossack leader.
Other Russian proverbs
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Каждый кулик своё болото хвалит
Each sandpiper praises its swamp.
-
Crowded, but not aggrieved.
-
Бесплатный сыр только в мышеловке
Free cheese is only in a mousetrap.
-
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.
-
Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
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Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
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Заставь дурака богу молиться – он и лоб расшибёт
Make a fool pray to God - he will break his forehead.
-
Готовь сани летом, а телегу зимой
Get your sleigh ready in summer and your (horse-drawn) cart in winter.
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