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
-
Век живи, век учись, а дураком помрёшь
Live for a century, learn for a century, but die being a fool anyway.
-
A fisherman sees a fisherman from afar.
-
Don’t wave your fists after the fight.
-
Что имеем – не храним, а потерявши – плачем
We don't appreciate what we have but we cry when we lose it.
-
Кто рано встаёт, тому бог подает
(lit.) Whoever gets up early, God gives him
-
There are no friends for taste and color.
-
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
-
You can't spoil the porridge with butter.
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