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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A wolf is fed by his legs
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Some to the forest, some for firewood.
-
There are no friends for taste and color.
-
You can't help grief with tears.
-
Eggs don't teach the chicken.
-
There is no smoke without fire.
-
You can't hide an awl in a bag.
-
Бесплатный сыр только в мышеловке
Free cheese is only in a mousetrap.
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