Волков бояться – в лес не ходить
With accent marks:
Волко́в боя́ться – в лес не ходи́ть.
Translation:
Don't go to the woods if afraid of wolves.
Meaning:
If you are afraid of some difficulties that inevitably accompany any venture, you will never achieve anything, this Russian proverb says.
And in fact, if you are afraid of wolves, which may not be found in the nearby forest, you will never pick up berries or mushrooms.
And if you take the risk and start a seemingly difficult venture, it may not be so scary and you can do it.
The closest English equivalent of this proverb is "Nothing ventured, nothing gained".
Other Russian proverbs
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Where there is no fish even a crayfish is a fish.
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One in the field is not a warrior.
-
Measure seven times, cut one.
-
Яблоко от яблони недалеко падает
The apple never falls far from the tree.
-
Всё хорошо, что хорошо кончается
All is well that ends well.
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~ Seven babysitters make the kid to lose an eye.
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Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
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В здоровом теле – здоровый дух
In a healthy body, healthy mind.
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