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
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Another's soul is darkness.
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The eyes are scared, but the hands are doing.
-
Silent means consent.
-
Measure seven times, cut one.
-
Beast runs towards the hunter.
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За двумя зайцами погонишься – ни одного не поймаешь
If you are chasing two hares at once, you won’t catch a single one.
-
Терпи, казак – атаманом станешь!
Be patient, Cossack - you will become an ataman!
-
Strike the iron while it's hot.
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