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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In a quiet whirlpool, demons live.
-
Всё хорошо, что хорошо кончается
All is well that ends well.
-
Как аукнется, так и откликнется
What goes around comes around.
-
Заставь дурака богу молиться – он и лоб расшибёт
Make a fool pray to God - he will break his forehead.
-
Дарёному коню в зубы не смотрят
Do not look at a given horse's teeth.
-
Не рой яму другому, сам в неё попадешь
Do not dig a hole for another one, you will fall into it yourself.
-
Яблоко от яблони недалеко падает
The apple never falls far from the tree.
-
You can't spoil the porridge with butter.
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