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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Век живи, век учись, а дураком помрёшь
Live for a century, learn for a century, but die being a fool anyway.
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Trust but verify.
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Measure seven times, cut one.
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You can't help grief with tears.
-
Одна голова хорошо, а две – лучше
One head is good, but two ones are better.
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~ Seven babysitters make the kid to lose an eye.
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Береги платье снову, а честь смолоду
Start taking care of the dress while it's new, and of your honor while you are young.
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Что имеем – не храним, а потерявши – плачем
We don't appreciate what we have but we cry when we lose it.
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