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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Не плюй в колодец – пригодится водицы напиться
Do not spit in the well - you will need it when thirsty
-
За двумя зайцами погонишься – ни одного не поймаешь
If you are chasing two hares at once, you won’t catch a single one.
-
The one who walks will go through.
-
С кем поведёшься, от того и наберёшься
With whom you are friends with, from them you will learn.
-
Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
-
Предупреждён – значит вооружён
Forewarned is forearmed.
-
За что боролись, на то и напоролись
We got what we fought for.
-
The eyes are scared, but the hands are doing.
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