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
-
Чем дальше в лес, тем больше дров
The further into the forest, the more firewood is there.
-
Your own shirt is closer to your body.
-
The beauty of a debt is its payment
-
Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
-
С волками жить – по-волчьи выть
Living with wolves means to howl like a wolf.
-
Жизнь прожить – не поле перейти
To live a life is not the same (not as easy) as to go through a field.
-
There are no friends for taste and color.
-
Всё хорошо, что хорошо кончается
All is well that ends well.
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