Заставь дурака богу молиться – он и лоб расшибёт
With accent marks:
Заста́вь дурака́ бо́гу моли́ться – он и лоб расшибёт.
Translation:
Make a fool pray to God - he will break his forehead.
Meaning:
This proverb is about a stupid person who, being too zealous, only harms the cause.
The proverb originates from the customs of the Orthodox Church. During prayer, believers give obeisances to the earth, trying to touch the floor in the temple by the forehead.
A fool, from excessive diligence, can bow so hard that his forehead will also be smashed against a stone floor.
Other Russian proverbs
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An old friend is better than two new ones.
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~ Seven babysitters make the kid to lose an eye.
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По одёжке встречают, по уму провожают
You are greeted by your clothes but bid farewell by your mind.
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Who is talking about what, and a lousy one about the bath.
-
Бесплатный сыр только в мышеловке
Free cheese is only in a mousetrap.
-
С кем поведёшься, от того и наберёшься
With whom you are friends with, from them you will learn.
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Water wears away a stone.
-
The one who walks will go through.
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