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
-
Crowded, but not aggrieved.
-
Another's soul is darkness.
-
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
-
Water wears away a stone.
-
Век живи, век учись, а дураком помрёшь
Live for a century, learn for a century, but die being a fool anyway.
-
В чужой монастырь со своим уставом не ходят
Don't bring your set of rules in a foreign monastery
-
Береги платье снову, а честь смолоду
Start taking care of the dress while it's new, and of your honor while you are young.
-
Одна голова хорошо, а две – лучше
One head is good, but two ones are better.
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