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
-
Дарёному коню в зубы не смотрят
Do not look at a given horse's teeth.
-
Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
-
Береги платье снову, а честь смолоду
Start taking care of the dress while it's new, and of your honor while you are young.
-
Не так страшен чёрт, как его малюют
The demon is not as scary as he is depicted.
-
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
If you like sledding, you should like to carry the sled.
-
The beauty of a debt is its payment
-
They do not seek good from good.
-
Кабы знал, где упасть, так соломки бы подстелил
If I knew where I would fall, I would lay some straw there.
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