Видна птица по полёту
With accent marks:
Видна́ пти́ца по полёту.
Translation:
A bird is visible by its flight.
Meaning:
You can say anything about yourself, but only your actions will show your true value. A person is judged not by his words, but by his deeds.
The closest English equivalent is "A bird may be known by its song".
Other Russian proverbs
-
Appetite comes with eating.
-
Терпи, казак – атаманом станешь!
Be patient, Cossack - you will become an ataman!
-
The best is the enemy of the good.
-
По одёжке встречают, по уму провожают
You are greeted by your clothes but bid farewell by your mind.
-
Век живи, век учись, а дураком помрёшь
Live for a century, learn for a century, but die being a fool anyway.
-
Лучше синица в руках, чем журавль в небе
A titmouse in hands is better than a crane in the sky.
-
The quieter you go, the further you'll get.
-
You see your friends in the times of trouble.
Subscribe and receive notifications about new Russian proverbs in your inbox
