В тесноте, да не в обиде
With accent marks:
В тесноте́, да не в оби́де.
Translation:
Crowded, but not aggrieved.
Meaning:
This Russian proverb dates back to the XVII-XVIII centuries, when people used to live very tightly in peasant huts. Оne room could accommodate a father, a mother, their already adult sons with their wives and children. But if the family was friendly, then crowding did not bother anyone, everyone got along peacefully.
Nowadays, the proverb is sometimes remembered when a lot of people get into public transport at rush hour. Since everyone needs to go, nobody should complain.
The closest English equivalents of this proverb are: "the more the merrier" and "plenty is no plague"
Other Russian proverbs
-
Без труда не выловишь и рыбку из пруда
Without labor, you can not even catch a fish in the pond.
-
Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
-
Волков бояться – в лес не ходить
Don't go to the woods if afraid of wolves.
-
Как аукнется, так и откликнется
What goes around comes around.
-
Жизнь прожить – не поле перейти
To live a life is not the same (not as easy) as to go through a field.
-
На Бога надейся, а сам не плошай
Put your trust in God, but don't make mistakes yourself
-
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
-
Лучше один раз увидеть, чем сто раз услышать
Better to see once than hear a hundred times.
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
