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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Всё хорошо, что хорошо кончается
All is well that ends well.
-
Не руби сук, на котором сидишь
Do not chop the branch you sit on
-
When I eat I am deaf and mute.
-
The eyes are scared, but the hands are doing.
-
Fear has big eyes.
-
В чужой монастырь со своим уставом не ходят
Don't bring your set of rules in a foreign monastery
-
Laws are not written for fools.
-
Everything has its time.
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