3 proverbs in English with translation. English proverbs for all occasions

Proverbs and sayings are a reflection of folk thought, attitudes, moral values. Usually they have analogues in other languages, because they reproduce the “simple truths” inherent in any person of every nation. The proverb may have other images, but will convey the same meaning:

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But there are statements that have no equivalent in Russian at all. Such proverbs are the most reflect differences in mentality and therefore are of particular interest to us.

By the way, today we will learn not only the meaning of these English proverbs, but also the entertaining stories associated with them.

Pay attention: if suddenly you do not agree with the described example and know exactly the Russian analogue, then be sure to write about it in the comments - we will discuss it! 🙂

Unique heritage: proverbs in English with translation

1. If you can't be good, be careful.

Literal translation: If you can't be good, be careful.

If you are going to do immoral things, make sure they are not dangerous to you or society. When do you plan do something immoral, make sure no one finds out about it.

The first mention of this particular formulation dates back to 1903, but the meaning of the expression is much older and originates from the Latin proverb “Si non caste, tamen caute”(if not chastely, then at least cautiously).

2. A volunteer is worth twenty pressed men.

Literal translation: One volunteer is worth twenty forced.

The meaning of the proverb is essentially direct: even a small group of people can be more useful if they have the enthusiasm, drive etc. This proverb originated in the early 18th century.

At that time, the Royal Navy had a group of sailors armed with clubs, whose purpose was to "recruit" sailors for the fleet. They could do this by talking about the unprecedented benefits of service, or simply by force (they were still armed with clubs for a reason).

Such a combination of circumstances did not make the forced a good sailor. This is where this conclusion came from.

Note that in this proverb you can change the ratio of numbers:

100 volunteers are worth 200 press'd men.

One volunteer is worth two pressed men

3. Suffering for a friend double friendship.

Literal translation: Suffering for a friend doubles friendship.

The meaning of this Scottish proverb is clear without much explanation. It would seem that in Russian there is a rather similar proverb "friend is known in trouble". At the same time, very the very meaning of “suffering for a friend” is interesting. If the Russian version says not to turn away from a friend and help him in a difficult situation, then here it is precisely to suffer with him, thereby strengthening friendship.

Another English proverb about friendship that is interesting from the point of view of images: Friends are made in wine and proven in tears (friendship is born in wine and tested in tears).

4. A woman's work is never done.

Literal translation: Women's work never ends.

Well, English proverbs took care of our difficult female fate 🙂 The expression came from an old couplet:

Man may work from sun to sun
But woman's work is never done.

It turns out that the meaning of the proverb is that women's affairs (unlike men's) last forever. You can see it from the example:

“A woman’s work is never done!”, said Leila. She added: “As soon as I finish washing the breakfast dishes, it’s time to start preparing lunch. Then I have to go shopping and when the kids are back home I have to help them with their homework.”

(“A woman’s work never ends!” Layla said. She added: “As soon as I finish washing the dishes after breakfast, it’s time to cook dinner. Then I have to go shopping and when the children come home I have to help them with homework.")

5. Comparisons are odious / odorous.

Literal translation: Comparisons are disgusting/stink.

People should be judged according to their own merits; no one or anything should be compared with each other.

The proverb has two variants for a reason. First option (Comparisons areodious ) very ancient, and for the first time it was captured back in 1440. And here is the modified version (Comparisons areodorous ) was "created" by Shakespeare and used by him in the play "Much Ado About Nothing".

6. Money talks.

Literal translation: Money speaks (for itself).

Meaning – money is everything. The origin of the expression is a matter of debate among linguists. Some believe that the proverb originated in 19th-century America, others that it was in medieval England.

By the way, the proverb is used in the title of a song by the Australian rock band AC/DC.

7. Don't keep a dog and bark yourself.

Literal translation: Don't hold the dog if you're barking yourself.

The meaning of this English proverb is: do not work for your subordinate. The saying is very ancient: the first mention was recorded as early as 1583.

Regarding the lack of an analogue: different sources give different information. Someone agrees that there are no analogues in the Russian language, others offer the proverb as an equivalent:

For the dog is fed that she barks.

However, in the Big Dictionary of Russian Proverbs there is no such proverb about a dog at all. Perhaps what is offered to us as an alternative is an adapted translation of an English proverb (this happens).

8. Every man has his price.

Literal translation: Each has its own price.

According to this proverb, anyone can be bribed, the main thing is to offer a sufficient price. The observation was first recorded in 1734, but most likely has a longer history.

9. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Literal translation: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

The meaning of the proverb is direct. This formulation dates back to the early 19th century. But the thought itself is even older and was found in texts of the 18th century, for example, in 1714 by the journalist Eustace Badgell:

Imitation is a kind of artless Flattery (Imitation is a kind of artless flattery).

10. It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness.

Literal translation: It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.

The question of the analogue is again debatable: in some sources, where English proverbs are given with translation into Russian, the equivalent is called:

Better to go and spit than to spit and not go.

I want to argue with this. The meaning of the Russian proverb: it is better to do than to regret that you did not. The meaning of English is better to correct the situation, than to complain about it. Personally, the semantic component about complaints seems to me paramount, so I would not equate these proverbs.

11. Stupid is as stupid does

Literal translation: Foolish is he who acts foolishly.

In fact, this is not quite a “popular proverb”, but a phrase that Forrest Gump fought off annoying questions about his intelligence:

The phrase went to the people 🙂 The progenitor of this expression is the proverb “ Handsome is as handsome does” (beautiful is the one who acts beautifully), which already has an analogue in Russian: “ Not the one who is good in face is good, but he is good who is good for work.

12. You can't make bricks without straw

Literal translation: You can't make a brick without straw.

Again, in some sources, Russian is indicated as an analogue “ you can’t even pull a fish out of the pond without difficulty”. At the same time, the English proverb does not speak of diligence, but about the inability to complete the task without the necessary materials.

“It’s no good trying to build a website if you don’t know any html, you can’t make bricks without straw.” (Don't try to build a website if you don't know HTML: you can't make bricks without straw).

According to Wikipedia, the expression originates from the biblical story, when the Pharaoh forbids giving straw to the Israelites as a punishment, but orders to make the same number of bricks as before.

Where to look for proverbs and sayings in English by topic?

Perhaps these are not all statements that have no Russian analogues, because there are a lot of English proverbs (and their meanings). By the way, you can easily look for them yourself in ours to saturate your English speech with wonderful expressions. Good luck! 🙂

English proverbs, sayings and idiomatic expressions of the English language and their analogues in Russian.

English saying
"A Heart of Gold! - Golden heart!" Proverb this phrase reflecting some kind of life phenomenon. Proverb this is a complete offer., which also reflects a life phenomenon. Proverbs and sayings are idioms, they cannot be translated literally. When translating an English proverb or saying, it is necessary to choose the one that is appropriate in meaning and meaning. Idiom is a set word or phrase which cannot be divided into parts or words, since it carries meaning and meaning in the form in which it is used. Stable (idiomatic) expressions are present in any language and bear the imprint of the cultural and historical development of the people.

Proverbs and sayings

A friend in need is a friend indeed. - Friend is known in trouble.

All is well that ends well. - All is well that ends well.

East or West, home is best. - Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.

He laughs best who laughs last. - He who laughs last laughs best.

One swallow doesn't make a summer - One swallow does not make spring.

The devil is not so black as he is painted. - The devil is not as scary as he is painted.

There is no smoke without fire. - There is no smoke without fire.

Two heads are better than one. - Mind is good, but two is better.

Laughter is the best medicine. - Laughter is the best healer.

The exception proves the rule. - There are no rules without exception.

After dinner comes the reckoning. - You love to ride, love to carry sleds.

Nothing succeeds like success. - Success contributes to success.

Silence gives consent. - Silent means consent.

extremes meet. - Extremes meet.

A great ship asks deep waters. - Big ship big sailing.

Taste differ. - Tastes could not be discussed.

Wise men learn by other men's mistakes, fools by their own. - Smart people learn from the mistakes of others, fools learn from their own.

Birds of a feather flock together. - Birds of a feather flock together.

Empty vessels make the greatest noise. - Empty vessels make the greatest sound.

The rotten apple injures its neighbours. - Rotten apple injures its neighbors.

A good beginning makes a good ending. - Down and Out trouble started.
Down and Out trouble started. This Russian proverb can be interpreted as follows: Starting any business is difficult, then it will be easier.

Fortune favors the bold. - Cheek brings success.

Practice makes perfect. - The work of the master is afraid.

Necessity is the mother of invention. - Need for inventions is cunning.

Praise makes good men better and bad men worse. - Praise makes good people better and bad people worse.

Appetite comes with food. - Appetite comes with eating.

Curses how the chickens came back home. - Do not dig a hole for another, you will fall into it yourself.

Every cook praises his own broth. - There is nothing like leather.

Little strokes fell great oaks. - Patience and a little effort.

One nail drives out another. - Fight fire with fire.

Bad news travel fast. - Bad news comes faster than good news.

Second thoughts are best. - Seven times measure cut once.

A Heart of Gold! - Golden heart!

The following English proverbs and sayings can be compared with several variants of Russian proverbs.

A burnt child dreads the fire.

1. A frightened crow is afraid of a bush.
2. If you burn yourself with milk, you will blow into the water.

The early bird catches the worm.

1. Who gets up early, good luck awaits.
2. Who gets up early, God gives him.
3. The early bird cleans the sock, the late bird tears through the eyes.

Proverbs and sayings that require explanation.

Charity begins at home. In the UK, this idiom is interpreted as follows:

You should take care of your family and other people who live close to you before helping people who are living further away or in another country. - You must take care of your family and other people who live near you before helping people who live further away or in another country.

Hello! Proverbs are the oldest genre of folklore. Every nation has them, even the most ancient ones - Romans, Greeks, Egyptians. They contain the wisdom of ancestors, practical philosophy, rules of life and morality, historical memory. Russian proverbs and their English equivalents reflect the experience of the Slavic and English peoples, respectively, in various areas of life. Proverbs

Due to their emotionality and figurativeness, proverbs are very often used in various types of conversations and texts in English. At the same time, when translating English proverbs found in an authentic text into Russian, difficulties often arise, since their meaning is not always clear to us, and bilingual dictionaries do not often give their interpretation. How to overcome the difficulties of translation?

For example, the proverb " a fool and his money are soon parted ” is not understandable to Russian speakers. Even knowing her translation " a fool and his money are often divided Its meaning and uses remain a mystery to us. And it means something like this - a stupid person who spends money thoughtlessly or too quickly. Then everything falls into place. But it is better to find equivalents in both languages, the meaning of which you will not doubt.

English equivalents of Russian proverbs

Since our native language is Russian, it is easier for us to apply the statement that we have known since childhood. However, as we found out, literal translation sometimes distorts not only the form, but also the meaning of what was said. Therefore, if you want to figuratively express your thoughts in English, then I recommend that you use the equivalents of Russian proverbs in English, which you can find in this article.

I compared a large number of Russian and English proverbs in terms of meaning and lexical composition. Thus, I have identified two groups:

Equivalent in usage, lexical composition and meaning- these are proverbs that, with an exact translation, do not lose their meaning, are used in both languages ​​in the same case:

Easier said than done
Be easier said than done

One head it's good, but two better
Two heads are better than one

Better late than never
Better late than never

He who laughs last laughs best
Not who laughs last laughs longest

The spirit is strong but the flesh is weak
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak

Strike while the iron is hot
Strike while the iron is hot

However, most English folk sayings are radically different in lexical composition.

Equivalents in meaning and application only- these are proverbs with a completely different translation, which is natural for an excellent lexical composition, but the general meaning of the phrase is similar in meaning and the situation in which these expressions are used. This group is of greater interest to us:

What goes around comes around
A bad beginning makes a bad ending
(A bad start leads to a bad end)

A bad peace is better than a good quarrel
A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit
(A bad compromise is better than a good litigation)

Who gets up early, God gives him
Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise
(Woke up early and went to bed early - you will be healthy, rich and smart)

Who does not plan his own victory, he plans someone else's
Failing to plan is planning to fail
(Not planning is planning to fail)

Trust in God, but don't make a mistake yourself
good fences make good neighbors
(Behind a good fence - good neighbors)

Read more Analogues of Russian proverbs in English

Abbreviations of English proverbs

Very often, long proverbs in oral speech are reduced. This figure is called the default technique. For example, we do not fully pronounce the expression when we want to say that we have to do something to get what we want: “Without difficulty ...” or “Under a lying stone ...”, and then it’s clear what the interlocutor wants to say, and no the need to complete the sentence.

In English, the whole expression is also not pronounced if it is too long. With the help of the default figure, proverbs such as:

• And rolling stone...
• Well, here's a silver lining...
• Well, a bird in the hand, you know…
• when the cat's away…
• Birds of a feather…

By the way, the expression "Silence is golden" is also an abbreviated form. In the full version in English, this phrase looks like this: Speech is silver; silence is golden ».

However, this option is good only if both interlocutors have a good command of the language and know the folklore of the people in whose language they communicate. That is, in order to understand the abbreviated version, you need to know this expression in full. Therefore, when using abbreviation, make sure that the interlocutor understands you correctly, and does not think of anything for himself.

English sayings included in the list, in most cases, not only translated into Russian, but also accompanied by Russian sayings and proverbs, more or less exactly corresponding to them. There are also personal statements of famous Englishmen. A number of British sayings and proverbs are given in several versions at once, equally common in England.

A bad workman quarrels with his tools. Bad worker with tools out of tune. Wed The work of the master is afraid.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. One bird in hand is worth two in a bush. Wed Do not promise a crane in the sky, but give a titmouse in your hands.
A bird may be known by its song. The bird can be recognized by its song. Wed The bird is visible in flight.
A black hen lays a white egg. The black hen lays a white egg. Wed From a black cow and white milk.
A blind man would be glad to see. The blind would like to see. Wed Let's see, said the blind man.
A burnt child dreads the fire. A burned child is afraid of fire. Wed If you burn yourself with milk, you will blow into the water.
A cock is valiant on his own dunghill. The rooster is brave on his dunghill. Wed Every sandpiper in his swamp is great.
A creaking door hangs long on its hinges. The creaky door hangs on its hinges for a long time. Wed The creaky tree stands for two centuries.
A curst cow has short horns. The cursed cow has short horns. Wed God does not give a horn to a vigorous cow.
A dog in the manger. Dog in a manger. Wed Dog in the manger.
A drop in the bucket. Wed A drop in the sea.

A fault confessed is half redressed. The admitted guilt is half redeemed. Wed A fault confessed is half redressed.
A fly in the ointment. Fly in balm. Wed A fly in the ointment in a barrel of honey.
A friend in need is a friend indeed. A friend in need is a true friend. Wed A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A good beginning is half the battle. A good start is half the battle. Wed A good start pumped out half the battle.
A good beginning makes a good ending. A good start ensures a good ending. Wed Down and Out trouble started.
A good name is better than riches. Wed Good fame is better than wealth.
A great ship asks deep waters. Wed Big ship big sailing.
A hard nut to crack. Wed Strong meat.
A honey tongue, a heart of gall. Honey tongue, and a heart of bile. Wed On the tongue is honey, and under the tongue is ice.
A hungry belly has no ears. Wed A hungry belly is deaf to everything.
A land flowing with milk and honey. Earth flowing with milk and honey. Wed Milk rivers, jelly banks.
A light purse is a heavy curse. A light wallet is a heavy curse. Wed Worst of all troubles is when there is no money.
A little body often harbors a great soul. A small body often hides a great soul. Wed Small spool but precious.
A little fire is quickly trodden out. A small fire is (still) easy to stomp. Wed The spark of the carcass before the fire, take away the attack before the blow.
A little pot is soon hot. The small pot heats up quickly. Wed The fool is easy to piss off.
A man can die but once. A person can only die once. Wed Two deaths cannot happen, but one cannot be avoided.
A miss is a good as a mile. Missing is no better than missing (a whole) mile (i.e. if you miss, it doesn’t matter how much). Wed A little doesn't count.
A penny saved is a penny gained. A penny saved is a penny earned.
A rolling stone gathers no moss. A rolling stone does not grow moss. Wed Whoever does not sit still, he will not make good.
A round peg in a square hole. Round rod in a square hole. Wed It fit like a saddle for a cow.
A stitch in time saves nine. A stitch made on time saves nine others (i.e., done on time saves a lot of labor later).
A storm in a tea-cup. Wed Storm in a teacup.
A tree is known by its fruit. A tree is known by its fruit. Wed An apple from an apple tree, a cone from a spruce.
A watched pot never boils. The pot that is being watched never boils (i.e. when you wait, time goes on forever).
A wolf in sheep's clothing. Wolf in sheep's clothing.
A wonder lasts but nine days. The miracle lasts only nine days (i.e. everything gets boring).
A word is enough to the wise. Clever and words are enough. Wed Smart hears in half a word.
After death, the doctor. After death - a doctor. Wed After the fire and for water.
After dinner comes the reckoning. After dinner you have to pay. You love to ride, love to carry sleds.
After dinner, mustard. After dinner mustard. Wed Mustard after dinner.
After rain comes fair weather. After rain comes good weather.
Agues come on horseback, but go away on foot. Diseases come to us on horseback, and leave us on foot. Wed The disease comes in by the poods, and comes out by the spools.
All cats are gray in the night. Wed All cats are gray at night.
All covet, all lose. Want everything, lose everything. Wed If you chase two hares, you won't catch one.
All is fish that comes to his net. Whatever comes across in his net is a fish.
All is well that ends well. All is well that ends well.
All sugar and honey. All from sugar and honey. Wed Sahar Medovich (about a sugary, insincere person).
All that glitters is not gold. Wed Not all that glitters is gold.
An ass in a lion's skin. Donkey in a lion's skin.
An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told(author: William Shakespeare). The best thing is a direct and simple spoken word.
An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening. One morning hour is better than two evening hours. Wed The morning is wiser than the evening.
An idle brain is the devil's workshop. An idle brain is the devil's workshop. Wed Idleness is the mother of all vices.
An unfortunate man would be drowned in a tea-cup. A loser can be drowned (and) in a cup of tea.
Art is long, life is short. Art is eternal, (a) life is short.
As a tree falls, so shall it lie. As the tree falls, so shall it lie.
As black as a crow. Black as a raven.
As bold as brass. Brazen as copper. Wed Copper forehead.
As busy as a bee. Busy (hardworking) like a bee.
As clear as a day. Clear (clear) as day.
As dead as a door-nail. Dead as a doornail (i.e. without signs of life, lifeless).
As drunk as a lord. Drunk like a lord (i.e., as only a rich man can get drunk). Wed Like an insole drunk.
As fat as butter. Fat like butter (i.e. extremely oily).
As fit as a fiddle. Harmonious as a violin (i.e. perfectly healthy; in excellent health).
As innocent as a babe unborn. Innocent, like an unborn baby (i.e. naive to the extreme). Wed A real baby.
As large as life. As in life (i.e. life-size; as a living person or in person).
As like as chalk and cheese. It looks like chalk on cheese. Wed It looks like a nail on a dirge.
As like as two peas. Similar as two peas. Wed The same.
As mad as March hare. Stunned like a hare in March (i.e. crazy, crazy).
As melancholy as a cat. Melancholy, like a cat (i.e. very sad).
As merry as a cricket. Cheerful, like a cricket.
As naked as a picked bone. Naked as a gnawed bone.
As neat as a new pin. Clean as a new pin (i.e. neat, clean).
As old as the hills . Ancient as the hills. Wed Old as the world.
As pale as a ghost. Pale as a ghost. Wed Pale as death.
As poor as Job. A beggar like Job.
As slippery as an eel. Slippery like an eel (i.e. dodgy).
As snug as a bug in a rug. Cozy, like a bug in a carpet (i.e. very cozy).
As sure as eggs in eggs. It is true that eggs are eggs. Wed Like two times two is four.
As the tree, so the fruit. As is the tree, so is the fruit. Wed The apple never falls far from the tree.
as thin as a rake. Skinny as a rake. Wed Thin as a chip.
As true as steel. Faithful as steel (i.e., devoted in body and soul).
As ugly as sin. Wed Terrible as a (mortal) sin.
As welcome as flowers in May. As desirable as flowers in May (i.e. long-awaited, timely).
As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb. It doesn't matter what to be hanged for: a sheep or a lamb. Wed Seven troubles - one answer.
As wide as the poles apart. Distant, like poles (i.e., diametrical opposites).
As you brew, so must you drink. What you brew, then disentangle. Wed He himself brewed porridge, he himself and disentangle.
As you make your bed, so must you lie on it. Wed As you lay down, so you sleep.
As you sow, you shall mow. Wed What goes around comes around.
Bad news has wings. Bad news has wings. Wed Bad rumor flies on wings.
Barking dogs seldom bite. Barking dogs rarely bite. Wed Don't be afraid of the dog that barks.
Beauty lies in lover's eyes. Beauty is in the eyes of those who love. Wed Not in a good way nice, but in a nice way.
Be slow to promise and quick to perform. Be not quick to promise, but quick to fulfill. Wed Without giving a word, be strong, but after giving a word, hold on.
Better a glorious death than a shameful life. Better a glorious death than a shameful life.
Better an egg to-day than a hen to-morrow. Better an egg today than a chicken tomorrow.
Better die standing than live kneeling. Better to die standing than to live on your knees.
Better late than never. Wed Better late than never.
Better the foot slip than the tongue. It is better to stumble than to make a reservation. Wed The word is not a sparrow, it will fly out - you will not catch it.
Better to do well than to say well. It is better to do well than to speak well.
Between two evils 'tis not worth choosing. You don't have to choose between two evils. Wed Radish horseradish is not sweeter.
Between two stools one goes to the ground. Whoever (sits) between two chairs falls to the ground.
Betwixt and between. Wed Half middle; neither this nor that.
Bind the sack before it's full. Tie the bag before it is (to the top) full (i.e. know the measure in everything).
Birds of a feather flock together. Birds of the same plumage come together. Wed Birds of a feather flock together.
Blood is thicker than water. Blood is thicker than water (i.e. your own brother).
Brevity is the soul of wit(Don't burn down your house to get rid of a mouse.
By doing nothing we learn to do ill. By doing nothing, we learn bad deeds.
By hook or by crook. By all truths and lies. Wed Not by washing, so by skating.
By the street of "By-and-bye" one arrives at the house of "Never". Along the street "Just about" you will get to the house "Never" (that is, you will not achieve anything by delaying).
Calamity is man's true touchstone. Misfortune is the best touchstone for a person. Wed A person is known to be in trouble.
Can the leopard change his spots? Can a leopard get rid of spots? Wed Leopard change his spots.
cat-and-dog life. The life of a cat and a dog (i.e. eternal quarrels).
Charity begins at home. Mercy begins (at home). Wed Your shirt is closer to your body.
Cheap and nasty. Wed Cheap and nasty.
Choose an author as you choose a friend. Choose a writer the way you choose a friend.
Claw me, and I'll claw thee. Scratch me and I'll scratch you. Wed The hand washes the hand.
Curses like chickens come home to roost. Curses, like chickens, return to their perch. Wed Do not dig a hole for another, you yourself will fall into it.
Custom is a second nature. Wed Habit is second nature.
Cut your coat according to your cloth. When cutting, proceed from the available material. Wed Stretch your legs along the clothes.
Death pays all debts. Death pays all debts. Wed You can't take anything from the dead or the naked.
Debt is the worst kind of poverty. Debt is the worst kind of poverty.
Deeds, not words. Wed (We need) deeds, not words.
diamond cut diamond. Diamond is cut by a diamond. Wed Found a scythe on a stone.
Don't halloo till you are out of the wood. Don't call until you're out of the woods. Wed Don't say "hop" until you jump.
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Don't put all your eggs in one basket (i.e. don't risk everything you have).
Don't trouble trouble till trouble troubles you. Do not disturb the alarm until the alarm disturbs you. Wed There will be no dashing while famously sleeping.
Dot your i's and cross your t's. Dot the i's and dash the t's (i.e. clarify your words).
Easier said than done. Easier (maybe) said than done (i.e. easier said than done).
East or West, home is best. East or West, but at home is better. Wed Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
Eat at pleasure, drink with measure. Eat freely, (a) drink in moderation.
Empty vessels make the greatest sound. Empty dishes ring louder. Wed Empty vessels make the greatest sound.
Enough is as good as a feast.(To have) plenty is the same as feasting. Wed Good is not sought from good.
Even reckoning makes long friends. Settling accounts strengthens friendship. Wed The account of friendship is not a hindrance.
Every bullet has its ticket. Every bullet has its purpose. Wed Everyone has their own plan.
Every cloud has a silver lining. Every cloud has its own silvery border. Wed There is no bad without good.
Every cook praises his own broth. Every cook praises his brew. Wed There is nothing like leather.
Every country has its customs. Each country has its own customs. Wed What a city, then a temper.
Every dog ​​has his day. Every dog ​​has its day (of joy).
Every man has a fool in his sleeve. Everyone has a fool in his sleeve. Wed Enough simplicity for every sage.
Every man has his hobby-horse. Everyone has their horse.
Every man's meat. Food for all (i.e. something publicly available or understandable to everyone).
Every man thinks his own geese swans. Everyone considers his geese to be swans. Wed Your own golden pood is more expensive than someone else's.
Every tub must stand on its own bottom. Each tub should stand on its own bottom (i.e. everyone should take care of themselves).
Everything comes to him who waits. Everything comes to the one who waits (i.e., whoever waits will wait).
Everything is good in its season. All is well in due time. Wed Every vegetable has its time.
Experience keeps no school; she teaches her pupils single. Experience has no (general) school; he teaches his students separately (i.e., you learn from your own experience).
extremes meet. Extremes meet.
Faint heart never won fair lady. A timid heart never won (the heart of) a beauty. Wed Cheek brings success.
Fair field and no favour. Fair field (fight) and no advantages (i.e. equal conditions for all).
Familiarity breeds contempt. Familiarity breeds contempt.
First catch your hare, then cook him. Catch the hare first, then roast it. Wed Do not sell the skins without killing the bear or Share the skin of an unkilled bear.
First come, first served. Whoever came first got served first. Wed Who came late, to that gnawed mosol.
First think, then speak. Think first, then say. Wed You say - do not turn back.
Forewarned is forearmed. Forewarned is forearmed in advance. Wed Warning - the same care.
Fortune favors the brave. Happiness favors the brave.
Four eyes see more than two. Four eyes see more than two. Wed Mind is good, but two is better.
Friends are thieves of time. Friends are thieves of time.
From pillar to post. From pole to pole (i.e. back and forth, from one difficulty to another).
Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice(Good health is more precious than wealth.
Grasp all, lose all. To seize everything (means) to lose everything.
Great barkers are no beaters. Barking loudly do not bite. Wed The dog barks - the wind wears.
Great boast, small roast. Lots of boasting, (yeah) little fried stuff. Wed There is silk on the belly, and silk in the belly.
Great cry and little wool. A lot of screaming, but little wool. Wed Lots of noise, but little to do.
Great wits jump. Great minds converge.
Habit curses habit.(One) habit is cured by (another) habit.
‘Hamlet’ without Prince of Denmark."Hamlet" without the Prince of Denmark. Wed Eggless egg.
Handsome is as handsome. The one who acts beautifully is beautiful (that is, one should be judged only by deeds).
Hang by a thread. Wed Sit on a hair.
Hasty climbers have sudden falls. Those who climb hastily fall suddenly. Wed Hurry up, make people laugh.
Hawks will not pick hawks' eyes out. A hawk will not peck out the eyes of a hawk. Wed A raven will not peck out a crow's eye.
He dances well to whom fortune pipes. Gives twice who gives soon (i.e., help provided on time is twice as expensive).
He goes long barefoot that waits for dead men's shoes. Whoever waits for shoes that will remain after the deceased walks barefoot for a long time.
He jests at scars, that never felt a wound(author: William Shakespeare). He laughs at the scars who have never been hurt. Wed For someone else's cheek, the tooth does not hurt.
He knows how many beans make five. He knows how many beans are in five pieces (i.e. he understands what's what).
He laughs best who laughs last. Wed He who laughs last laughs best.
He should have a long spoon that sups with the devil. Those who dine with the devil should stock up on a long spoon.
He that has a full purse never wanted a friend. Whoever has a full purse will have enough friends. Wed To whom happiness is friends, so are people.
He that is full of himself is very empty. He who is full of himself is (in fact) very empty.
He that never climbed, never fell. Who never climbed (up), never fell. Wed The one who does nothing makes no mistakes.
He that will steal an egg will steal an ox. Whoever steals the egg will also steal the bull.
He that would eat the fruit must climb the tree. Whoever wants to eat the fruit must climb the tree. Wed You love to ride, love to carry sleds.
He that would have eggs must endure the cackling of hens. Whoever wants to have eggs must endure the clucking of chickens.
He who pleased everybody died before he was born. The one who pleased everyone died before he was born. Wed You can't please everyone.
He who would search for pearls must dive below(author: John Dryden). Who wants to look for pearls, must dive deeper.
He will never set the Thames on fire. He will never set the Thames on fire. Wed He does not invent gunpowder.
Hell is paved with good intentions. Hell is paved with good intentions.
His fingers are all thumbs. Each of his fingers is a thumb (about an awkward person).
Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad supper. Hope is a good breakfast, but a bad dinner (that is, when it does not come true by the end of life).
Hunger breaks stone walls. Hunger breaks (and) stone walls. Wed Necessity teaches everything.
Hunger is the best sauce. Hunger is the best seasoning. Wed Hunger is the best cook.
Hungry as a hunter. Hungry like a hunter. Wed Hungry as wolf.
If ifs and ans were pots and pans. If (all these) "if" and "what if" were pots and frying pans. Wed If wishes were horses beggars might ride.
If the cap fits, wear it. If the hat suits you, wear it (i.e. if you take the remark personally, so be it).
If the sky falls, we shall catch larks. If the sky falls, we will catch the larks. Wed If, yes, if only.
If we can "t as we would, we must do as we can. If we cannot do as we would like, we must do as we can.
If wishes were horses, beggars might ride. If wishes were horses, beggars could ride.
If you run after two hares, you will catch neither. Wed Chasing two hares, you won’t catch a single one.
If you want a thing well done, do it yourself. If you want a job done well, do it yourself. Wed Your eye is a diamond.
Ill-gotten gains never prosper. Unfairly acquired for the future does not go.
In black and white. Wed Black on white (i.e. obviously).
In borrowed plumes. In foreign (lit. borrowed) feathers. In borrowed plumes.
In for a penny, in for a pound. Once you risk a penny, you need to risk a pound (sterling). Wed I took hold of the tug, don't say that it's not hefty.
Iron fist in a velvet glove. An iron fist in a velvet glove. Wed Softly spread - hard to sleep.
It goes without saying. Needless to say.
It is a good horse that never stumbles. A good horse is one that never stumbles. Wed A horse with four legs, and he stumbles.
It is a long lane that has no turning. A road with no turns is long (meaning: a straight road seems longer than it is).
It is an ill bird that fouls its own nest. A bad bird is one that soils its own nest. Wed Take rubbish out of the hut.
It is an ill wind that blows nobody good. Bad is the wind that brings no good to anyone.
It is enough to make a cat laugh. It's enough to make a cat laugh. Wed Chickens for laughs.
It is a good fishing in troubled waters. It is good (easy) to fish in troubled waters.
It is ill to waken sleeping dogs. Sleeping dogs should not be awakened.
It is never too late to learn. It's never too late to learn.
It is no use crying over spilt milk. Don't cry over spilled milk. Wed Tears of sorrow will not help.
It is the early bird that catches the worm. The worm goes to the first bird. Wed Who gets up early, good luck awaits.
It never rains but it pours.(Troubles) fall not as rain, but as a downpour.
It rains cats and dogs. Wed Like a shower.
It's not the gay coat that makes the gentleman. Smart clothes don't make a gentleman (i.e. clothes don't make a man).

Jack of all trades and master of none. A person who takes everything and does nothing.
Keep a thing seven years and you will find a use for it. Keep a thing for seven years, and you will be able to benefit from it (ie, in the end, any thing can come in handy).
Last but not least. Last (in order), but not least (in importance).
Let bygones be bygones. What is past is past; Let's not remember the past.
Let sleeping dogs lie. Don't wake up sleeping dogs. Wed Do not wake dashing while dashing sleeps.
Let well (enough) alone. Don't touch what is (already) good. Wed Good is not sought from good.
Liars have need of good memories. Liars need a good memory (so as not to give themselves away).
Life is but a span. Life is short.
Like a cat on hot bricks. Like a cat on hot bricks (i.e. not at ease, like on pins and needles).
Like a needle in a bundle of hay. Like a needle in a bundle of hay. Wed The needle hit the haystack, the write was gone.
Like begets like. Like begets like.
Like cures like. Like is cured by like.
Like greased lightning. Accurately greased lightning (i.e. with the greatest speed).
Like master, like man. What is the owner, such is the worker. Wed What is the pop, such is the arrival.
Like will to like. Like strives for like. Wed Looking for his own.
Little pitchers have long ears. Small pitchers have large handles (meaning: small children have big ears, i.e. children like to listen to what they are not supposed to).
Little strokes fell great oaks. Weak blows fell large oaks. Wed Drop by drop and the stone hammers.
Live and learn. Live and learn. Wed Live and learn.
Look before you leap. Look before you jump. Wed Try on seven times, cut once.
Look not a gift horse in the mouth. Wed They do not look at a given horse's teeth.
Lost time is never found again. Lost time can never be regained.
Love in a cottage. Love in a hut. Wed With a sweet paradise and in a hut.
Love me, love my dog.(If) you love me, love my dog ​​too.
Make hay while the sun shines. Mow the hay while the sun is shining. Wed Strike while the iron is hot.
Many a good father had but a bad son. Many good fathers have bad sons. Wed Every family has its black sheep.
Many a little makes a mickle. Little things make big things. Wed With the world on a thread - a naked shirt.
Many a true word is spoken in jest. Many truthful words are said in jest (i.e., there is some truth in every joke).
Many men, many minds. How many people, so many minds (i.e. people's opinions are different).
Many wish but few will. Many have the desire (to do something), but few have the will.
Many words hurt more than swords. Many words hurt more than swords.
Many words will not fill a bushel. You cannot fill a bushel (measure) with many words. Wed You can't sew a fur coat out of a word.
Measure your cloth ten times; thou canst cut it but once. Measure the cloth ten times: you can only cut it once.
Misfortunes Never Come Alone (single). Troubles never come alone. Wed Trouble has come, open the gate.
Money makes the mare (to) go. Money (and) the mare is forced to go.
Much ado about nothing. Much ado about nothing.
Much water has flown under the bridges since that time. A lot of water has flowed under the bridges since then.
Much will have more. Many will have more. Wed Money goes to money.
Murder will out. The murder will be revealed. Wed Murder will out.
Mutual admiration society. Mutual admiration society. Wed The cuckoo praises the rooster for praising the cuckoo.
Neat as a new pin. Neat as a new pin. Wed With a pin.
Necessity is the mother of invention. Necessity is the mother of invention. Wed The need will teach and eat kalachi.
neck or nothing. All or nothing. Wed Hit or miss.
Needs must when the devil drives. You have to when the devil drives you (i.e. nothing can be done against necessity). Wed You can’t break a butt with a whip.
Neither fish nor flesh. Wed Neither fish nor fowl.
Neither here nor there. Neither here nor there. Wed Neither to the village, nor to the city.
Neither rhyme nor reason. No rhyme, no meaning. Wed Neither rhyme nor reason.
Never cast dirt into that fountain of which thou hast sometime drunk. Never throw mud at a source from which you have ever drunk. Wed Do not spit in the well - you will need water to drink.
Never put off till to-morrow what you can do to-day. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
New brooms sweep clean. Wed The new broom sweeps clean.
No living man all things can. No living person can do everything (i.e. it is impossible to be a jack of all trades).
No man can serve two masters. You cannot serve two masters.
No news (is) good news. No news is good news (when you can expect bad news).
No pains, no gains. Without work there is no (and) earnings.
No song, no supper. No song, no dinner. Wed A rolling stone gathers no moss.
No sweet without (some) sweat. To get sweet, you need to sweat. Wed Not having tasted the bitter, not to see the sweet.
None so deaf as those who won't hear. No one is so deaf as those who do not want to hear.
Nothing is impossible to a willing heart. For a heart full of desire to do something, nothing is impossible. Wed There would be a hunt, but there will be an opportunity.
Nothing succeeds like success. Nothing succeeds like success itself. Wed To whom it will lead, the rooster rushes from him.
Nothing venture, nothing have. To risk nothing (means) to have nothing. Wed To be afraid of wolves - do not go into the forest.
On Shanks's mare. Wed On my own two.
Once bitten, twice shy. Once bitten, doubly fearful. Wed A frightened crow is afraid of a bush.
One drop of poison infects the whole tun of wine. One drop of poison infects an entire barrel of wine.
One good turn deserves another. One good service deserves another. Wed A quid pro quo or Debt by payment is red.
One man, no man. One (doesn't matter what) nobody (i.e. one doesn't count). Wed There is safety in numbers.
One man's meat is another man's poison. What is food for one is poison for another.
One nail drives out another. One nail kicks out the other. Wed Fight fire with fire.
One scabbed sheep will mar a whole flock. Wed One black sheep spoils the whole flock.
One swallow does not make a summer. Wed One swallow does not make spring.
One to-day is worth two to-morrow. One thing today is worth two things tomorrow.
One woe doth tread upon another "s heels. One grief follows on the heels of another.
Opportunity makes the thief. Chance makes a thief. Wed Don't put it badly, don't lead the thief into sin.
Out of sight, out of mind. Out of sight, out of memory. Wed Out of sight, out of mind.
Over shoes, over boots.(Once) above the boots, (then) above the boots. Wed I took hold of the tug, don't say that it's not hefty.
Penny-wise and pound-foolish. Smart for a penny, but stupid for a pound (i.e. risking big for little).
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Plenty is no plague. Excess is not a problem. Wed Oil porridge will not spoil.
Poverty is no sin. Poverty is not a sin. Wed Poverty is not a vice.
Pride goes before a fall. Pride precedes a fall. Wed The devil was proud, but fell from the sky.
Procrastination is the thief of time. Postponement is a thief of time.
Promise little, but do much. Promise little, but do a lot.
Put not your hand between the bark and the tree. Don't put your hand between the bark and the tree. Wed Own dogs fight, don't pester someone else's.
Roll my log and I will roll yours. Roll my log and I'll roll yours. Wed One good turn deserves another.
Rome was not built in a day. Rome was not built in one day. Wed Moscow was not built right away.
Scornful dogs will eat dirty puddings. Fastidious dogs will have to eat dirty pies. Wed A lot of disassembly - and not to be seen.
Second thoughts are best. Meaning: before smth. do, think twice.
Self is a bad counsellor. Personal feelings are a bad adviser.
Silence gives consent. Wed Silent means consent.
Silent as the grave. Silent as a grave. Wed Mute like a fish.
Since Adam was a boy. When Adam was still a child. Wed Under King Peas.
Sink or swim. Sink or swim. Wed Was not.
Six of one and half a dozen of the other. Six of one and half a dozen of the other (i.e. the same thing). Wed What's on the forehead, what's on the forehead.
Small rain lays great dust. Light rain beats thick dust. Wed Small spool but precious.
So many countries, so many customs. How many countries, so many customs.
So many men, so many minds. So many people, so many minds.
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark(author: William Shakespeare). Something has rotted in the Kingdom of Denmark (i.e., something is wrong here).
Speech is silver but silence is gold. Wed Word is silver, silence is gold.
Still water run deep. Still waters are deep. Wed Still waters run deep.
Strike while the iron is hot. Wed Strike while the iron is hot.
Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of themselves. Take care of the pence, and the pounds (sterling) will take care of themselves. Wed A penny saves a ruble.
Take time by the forelock. Grab the time for the forelock (i.e. do not miss the opportunity).
Take us as you find us. Take us (as we are) as they find us (i.e. with all the good and the bad). Wed Love us black, and everyone will love white.
Talk of the devil and he is sure to appear. Talk about the devil and he's right there. Wed joke. Easy to remember.
Tarred with the same brush. Smeared with the same brush. Wed One world smeared.
Taste differ. Tastes differ. Wed Tastes could not be discussed.
Tell that to the marines. Tell that to the Marines. Wed Tell that to your grandmother.
That cock won't fight. This cock will not fight. Wed This number will not work.
That is a horse of another colour. This is a horse of a different color. Wed This is a completely different matter.
That's where the shoe pinches. That's where the shoe presses (i.e. that's the catch). Wed That's where the dog is buried.
The beggar may sing before the thief. A beggar can chant in front of the enemy. Wed Naked robbery is not afraid.
The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good. The best is often the enemy of the good.
The busiest man finds the most leisure. The busiest person finds the most leisure.
The cat would eat fish and would not wet her feet. The cat would like to eat fish, but is afraid to get his paws wet. Wed And I want and prick.
The chain is no stronger than its weakest link. A chain is no stronger than its weakest link. Wed Where it is thin, it breaks there.
The cobber's wife is the worst shod. The shoemaker's wife is the worst shod. Wed The shoemaker walks without boots.
The devil is not so black as he is painted. Wed The devil is not so terrible (lit. black) as he is prayed for.
The evils we bring on ourselves are hardest to bear. The misfortunes that we inflict on ourselves are the worst of all.
The exception proves the rule. Exception proves the rule.
The fat is in the fire. The fat is (already) on fire (i.e. the deed is already done).
The first blow is half the battle. The first blow is half the battle.
The game is not worth the candle. It is not worth it.
The last drop makes the cup run over. The last drop overflows the cup.
The last straw breaks the camel's back. The last straw breaks the camel's back.
The least said, the soonest mended. The less said, the sooner corrected. Wed More action, less words.
The mill cannot grind with the water that is past. The mill cannot grind with leaked water. Wed What was, then floated away.
The more haste, the less speed. The more haste, the less speed. Wed Hurry up and make people laugh.
The mountain has brought forth a mouse(author: Aesop). The mountain gave birth to a mouse. Wed Much ado about nothing.
The nearer the bone, the sweeter the flesh. The closer to the bone, the sweeter the meat. Wed Leftovers are sweet.
The pitcher goes often to the well but is broken at last. The jug often goes to the well, but eventually breaks. Wed The pitcher got into the habit of walking on water (here he would break his head).
The pot calls the kettle black. The pot calls the cauldron black (although it is not whiter itself). Wed Whose cow would moo, and yours would be silent.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. To find out what a pudding is, one must taste it (i.e. everything is tested by practice).
The rotten apple injures its neighbours. A spoiled apple spoils the neighboring ones.
The wind cannot be caught in a net. You can't catch the wind with a net. Wed Look for the wind in the field.
There are more ways to the wood than one. More than one road leads to the forest. Wed The world did not converge like a wedge.
There is no place like home.(Native) home is the best place. Wed Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.
There is no rose without a thorn. Wed There is no rose without thorns.
(There is) no smoke without fire. Wed There is no smoke without fire.
There's many a slip tween(=between) the cup and the lip. A lot can happen in the time that you raise the goblet to your lips. Wed This is what Grandma said in two.
There's no use crying over spilt milk. It is useless to shed tears over spilled milk (i.e. tears will not help grief). Wed What fell from the cart is gone.
They are hand and glove. They are (inseparable or friendly) like a hand and a glove. Wed The devil himself tied them with a rope.
Time and wait for no man. Time waits for no one.
To add fuel to the fire (flame). Pour oil on the flame.
To angle with a silver hook. Fish with a silver hook (i.e. act by bribery).
To be between the upper and nether millstone. Be between the upper and lower millstones. Wed Between the hammer and the anvil.
To be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth. To be born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Wed Born in a shirt
To be head over ears in debt. Wed Be deep in debt.
To bear the lion in his den. Attack a lion in his own lair (i.e. bravely confront an experienced and dangerous opponent).
To be up to the ears in love. Wed To be deeply in love.
To beat about the bush. Walk around the bush. Wed To beat around the bush.
to beat the air. Beat the air (i.e. do something meaningless or fruitless). Wed Crush water in a mortar.
to break the ice. Break the ice (i.e. break the silence, initiate an acquaintance).
To bring grist to the mill. Carry grain to the mill. Wed Pouring water on someone's mill.
To buy a pig in a poke. Wed Buy a pig in a poke.
To call a spade a spade. A shovel is called a shovel. Wed Call a spade a spade.
To carry coals to Newcastle. Carry coal to Newcastle. Wed Ride to Tula with your samovar.
To carry fire in one hand and water in the other. Carry fire in one hand and water in the other (i.e. say one thing and think another).
To carry the war into the enemy's country. Take the war to the territory of the enemy.
To cast pearls before swine. Wed Cast pearls before swine.
To cast prudence to the winds. Throw wisdom to the wind. Wed Indulge in all serious.
to come off cheap. Wed Get off cheap.
To come off with a whole skin. Come out with a whole skin.
To come off with flying colours. Leave (the battlefield) with banners flying (i.e. achieve decisive success).
to come out dry. Get out (of the water) dry.
To come out of the battle unscathed. Get out of the fight unscathed.
To cook a hare before catching him. Roast the hare before it is caught.
To cool one's heels. Let your heels cool down (i.e. wait a long time).
To count one "s chickens before they are hatched. Count your chickens before they are hatched. Wed Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.
To cross the Rubicon. Cross the Rubicon (i.e. take an irrevocable step).
To cry with one eye and laugh with the other. Cry with one eye but laugh with the other (i.e. be two-faced).
To cut blocks with a razor. Hewing blocks with a razor (i.e. spoiling a valuable tool by using it for other purposes).
To cut one's throat with a feather. Cut someone's throat with a feather. Wed Drown in a spoonful of water.
To draw the long bow. Draw a longbow (i.e. exaggerate). Wed Drown in a spoonful of water.
To fall out of the frying-pan into the fire. Fall out of the pan into the fire. Wed Get out of the fire and into the fire.
Feel the pulse. Feel the pulse (i.e., probe the soil).
To fiddle while Rome is burning. Play the violin while Rome burns. Wed Feast in Time of Plague.
To fight with one "s own shadow. Fight with your own shadow (i.e. with an imaginary obstacle). Wed Fight windmills.
To find a mare's nest. Find the mare's nest. Wed Hit the sky with your finger.
To fish in troubled waters. Wed Catch fish in troubled waters.
To fit like a glove. Fit like a glove (i.e., be just right).
To flog a dead horse. Whip a dead horse (i.e. achieve the obviously impossible, engage in useless business). Wed Flog a dead horse.
To get out of bed on the wrong side. Wed Get up on your left foot.
To give a lark to catch a kite. Give the lark, catch the kite. Wed Swap the cuckoo for a hawk.
To give someone an inch and he'll take an ell. Wed Give him a finger, and he will bite off the whole hand (ell is an old measure of length, equal to 108 cm).
To give the devil his due. Pay tribute (even) to the devil.
To go for wool and come home shorn. Go for wool, and return shorn (i.e., gain nothing, but lose your own).
To go through fire and water (or through thick and thin). Wed Pass through fire and water.
To have a finger in the pie. Put your finger on the cake (i.e. be involved in something, put your hand on something).
To have a single string to one "s bow. Have a second string for your bow (i.e. have another tool in stock).
To have art and part in something. To take part in something, to be involved in something.
To have other fish to fry. You need to fry other fish (i.e. have other, more important things to do).
To have pins and needles (in one "s leg, foot, etc.). Feel (in the leg, etc.) pins and needles (i.e., prickling after numbness).
To hit the nail on the head. Hit the nail on the hat. Wed Get to the point.
To hope against hope. Still (despite everything) hope.
To keep a dog and bark oneself. Keep the dog, but bark yourself (i.e. not be able to use the available means).
To keep one's head above water. Keep your head above water (i.e. don't sink, don't give up).
To keep the wolf from the door. Do not allow the wolf to the door (i.e. fight need; somehow survive).
To kill the goose that lays the golden eggs(Kill two birds with one stone.
To know everything is to know nothing. To know everything is to know nothing.
To know on which side one bread is buttered. Know which side the bread is buttered on. Wed Know what's what.
To know what's what. Know what and how.
To lay by for a rainy day. Postpone about a rainy day. Wed Postpone about a rainy day.
To live from hand to mouth. Live by the principle: what you earned, you ate (barely survive).
To lock the stable-door after the horse is stolen. Lock the stable door when the horse is (already) stolen. Wed They don't wave their fists after a fight.
To make a cat's paw of someone. To make someone a cat's paw (i.e., your obedient tool).
To make a mountain out of a molehill. Make a mountain out of molehills. Wed To make mountains out of molehills.
To make an omelet without breaking eggs. Make scrambled eggs without breaking eggs (i.e. achieve something without spending effort and money).
To make bricks without straw. Make bricks without straw (i.e. work obviously in vain).
To make both ends meet. Wed Make ends meet.
To make the cup run over. Fill the bowl over the rim. Wed Pull the string. Bend over the stick.
To make two bites of a cherry. Eat a cherry, biting it into two halves (i.e. exerting excessive diligence on a simple matter).
To measure another man's foot by one's own last. Measure someone else's foot on your own block. Wed Measure to your arshin.
To measure other people "s corn by one" s own bushel. Measure someone else's grain with your own bushel.
To mind one's P's and Q's. Do not confuse p with q (i.e., beware of missteps; do not blunder).
To pay one back in one "s own coin. Pay someone with the same coin.
To pick one to pieces. To smash someone to shreds (i.e. smash to smithereens; criticize; disassemble).
To pick the plums out of the pudding. Choose (for yourself) raisins from the pudding (leaving others what is worse).
To play with fire. Play with fire.
To plow the sand. Plow the sand. Wed Crush water in a mortar.
To pour water into a sieve. Wed Pour water into the sieve.
To put a finger on the right spot. Put your finger on the (proper) place (i.e. get to the point, understand the essence of the matter).
To put a spoke in somebody's wheel. Wed Put a spoke in wheel.
To put into the melting pot. Put in a melting crucible (i.e. subjected to a complete alteration).
To pull off till Doomsday. Postpone until the day of judgment (i.e. forever). Wed Postpone until the second coming.
To put one's best foot (leg) first. Meaning: hurry with might and main.
To put out a feeler. Stick out a tentacle (i.e. feel for the soil).
To put the cart before the horse. Put the cart before the horse (i.e., do it topsy-turvy).
To pull the chestnuts out of the fire for somebody. To drag (for someone) chestnuts from the fire (i.e. to rake the heat for someone with your own hands).
To rob one "s belly to cover one" s back. Rob your belly to cover your back. Wed Trishkin caftan.
To rob Peter to pay Paul. Rob Peter to pay Paul.
To roll in money. Ride in money. Wed Chickens don't eat money.
To save one's bacon. Wed Save your skin.
To sell the bear's skin before one has caught the bear. Sell ​​the bear skin before the bear is caught.
To stew in one's juice. Boil in your own juice.
To stick to somebody like a leech. Stick to someone like a leech. Wed Stick to someone like a bath leaf.
To take counsel of one's pillow. Consult with your pillow (i.e. think over the night).
To take the bull by the horns. Take the bull by the horns.
To teach one's grandmother to suck eggs. Teach your grandma how to suck balls. Wed Learn a scientist.
To tell stories out of school. Chatting outside the walls of the school. Wed Take rubbish out of the hut.
To throw a sprat to catch a mackerel. Throw a sprat to catch a mackerel (i.e. sacrifice a little to gain more).
To throw dust in one's eyes. Wed Throw dust in someone's eyes.
To turn the tables. Rotate tables (i.e. switch roles).
To turn up trumps. Turn out to be trump cards (i.e. turn out well).
To use a steam-hammer to crack nuts. Use a steam hammer to crack nuts. Wed Shoot cannons at sparrows.
To wash one's dirty linen in public. Wash your dirty laundry in public.
To wear one "s heart upon one" s sleeve. Wear your heart on your sleeve. Wed Heart wide open.
To work with the left hand. Work with your left hand. Wed Work through the sleeves.
To-morrow come never."Tomorrow" never comes. Wed After the rain on Thursday.
To-morrow is a new day. Wed The morning is wiser than the evening.
Too many cooks spoil the broth. Too many cooks spoil the broth. Wed Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Too much knowledge makes the head bald. From excessive knowledge the head grows bald. Wed You will know a lot, you will grow old soon.
Too much of one thing is good for nothing. Too much of one thing is no good. Wed Take a closer look cute - sicker hateful.
Too swift arrives as tardy as too slow(author: William Shakespeare). Excessive haste is just as late as excessive slowness.
Truth is stranger than fiction. Truth is stranger than fiction.
Two heads are better than one. Two heads are better than one. Wed One head it's good, but two better.
Wait for the cat to jump. Wait until the cat jumps (wait until it becomes clear which way the wind will blow).
We never know the value of water till the well is dry. We never know how valuable water is until the well is dry. Wed What we have we do not store, having lost weeping.
Wealth is nothing without health. Wealth is nothing without health. Wed Health is more valuable than money.
Well begun is half done. Well begun is half done.
What can "t be cured, must be endured. What cannot be healed must be endured.
What's done cannot be undone. What's done can't be taken back. Wed Don't take back what you've done.
What "s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. What sauce is for a goose, so is sauce for a gander (that is, what is good for one is good for others).
When angry, count a hundred. When you get angry, count to one hundred.
When guns speak it is too late to argue. When the guns started talking, it's too late to argue.
When pigs fly. When the pigs fly Wed When cancer whistles.
When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions(author: William Shakespeare). When sorrows come, they come not as individual scouts, but (whole) battalions.
When the cat is away, the mice will play. When the cat is not around, mice frolic. Wed Without a cat, mice expanse.
When the fox preaches, take care of your geese. When the fox preaches sermons, drive your geese.
When the pinch comes, you remember the old shoe. When a (new) boot begins to press, you remember the old (boot). Wed What we have we do not store, having lost weeping.
When two Sundays come together. When two Sundays meet. Wed After the rain on Thursday.
When at Rome, do as the Romans do. When you are in Rome, do as the Romans do. Wed They don’t go to a foreign monastery with their own charter.
Where there's a will, there's a way. Where there is a desire, there is also a way (i.e. a means). Wed Where there is desire, there is skill.
Who chatters to you, will chatter of you. Whoever speaks evil of you will speak evil of you.
Who has never tasted bitter, knows not what is sweet. Whoever has never tasted bitter does not know what sweet is.
Who keeps company with the wolf, will learn to howl. Whoever hangs out with wolves will learn to howl. Wed With whom you lead, from that you will gain. Live with wolves, howl like wolves.
With time and patience the leaf of the mulberry becomes satin. With time and patience, even a mulberry leaf will become an atlas. Wed Patience and a little effort.
You cannot catch old birds with chaff. It is impossible to catch old birds on the chaff. Wed You can't fool a shot sparrow on chaff.
You cannot fly the same ox twice. Wed Two skins are not pulled from one ox.
You cannot judge a tree by its bark. One cannot judge a tree by its bark (i.e. appearances are deceptive).
You can't eat your cake and have it. You can't eat your cake and still keep it (i.e. you can't do things that are mutually exclusive).
Zeal without knowledge is a runaway horse. Diligence without knowledge is like a horse biting the bit. Wed Zeal not according to reason brings harm.

Let's imagine a typical working day at the office. During working hours, you can hear a lot of funny phrases. For example, a senior manager might cheer up her subordinates by saying, “It's useless to cry over spilled milk. Today, we can still achieve great things!” “That's right! Rome was not built in a day,” adds his assistant. Milk? Rome? Iron? WTF?!

It's simple: English proverbs work. Like the Russian language, English is replete with ornate and vivid catchphrases.

To understand their sometimes not entirely transparent meaning, today we are some sayings that will be 100% useful to you in a conversation in English. C "mon!

Why you need to learn proverbs in English

A proverb is a traditional (historical) saying that characterizes a particular country.

Native speakers often use such expressions in everyday conversation, sometimes without even realizing it. Sayings can tell you more about the culture of the country whose language you are learning than any textbook. Such sayings clearly demonstrate what things or phenomena play a big role for a particular nation, and also help to understand what is considered good form and what is bad.

Moreover, proverbs sometimes tell about the place where they are often used in speech. For example, the sayings of the inhabitants of farming towns abound in agricultural language, and in fishing villages you will hear popular expressions about the sea.

Therefore, in order to better understand English, below are 45 English proverbs with translation into Russian.

The difficulty of translating English proverbs

The problem of translating English proverbs into Russian is that not every one of them is translated literally. This is due primarily to the fact that each country has its own realities, which usually vary from one nation to another.

For this reason, when studying new English proverbs, it is recommended to study the etymology and history of occurrence, as well as Russian equivalents.

Top 45 English sayings and proverbs

Original: Don't cross the bridge until you come to it.
Literally: Do not cross the bridge until you reach it.
Russian equivalent: Don't say "gop" until you jump over.

Original: Don't make a mountain out of an anthill.
Literally: Do not make a mountain out of an anthill.
Russian equivalent: Don't make an elephant out of a fly.

Original: The cat is out of the bag. /Truth will out.
Literally: The cat came out of the bag. / The truth (will) expel.
Russian analogue: Everything secret always becomes clear.

Original: Put your best foot forward.
Literally: Put your best foot forward.
English equivalent: Try to make the best impression (appear in the best light).

Original: It's better to be safe than sorry.
Literally: Better to be careful than sorry.
Russian equivalent: God saves the beneficiary.

Original: Don't bite off more than you can chew.
Literally: Do not bite off more than you can chew.
Russian equivalent: Don't get greedy for a piece that you can't swallow. / Don't take on too much.

Original: Still water run deep.
Literally: Still waters run deep.
Russian equivalent: There are devils in still waters.

Original: Curiosity killed the cat.
Literally: Curiosity killed the cat.
Russian equivalent: Curious Varvara's nose was torn off at the market.

Original: You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
Literally: If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.
Russian equivalent: The hand washes the hand. / One good turn deserves another. / You - to me, I - to you.

Original: Two wrongs don't make a right.
Literally: Two errors do not make (one) truth.
Russian equivalent: Evil cannot be corrected. / The second error does not fix the first.

Original: The pen is mightier than the sword.
Literally: The pen is mightier than the sword.
Russian equivalent: A word is worse than a gun.

Original: The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Literally: Lubricate first the wheel that creaks.
Russian equivalent: Water does not flow under a lying stone. / If you want to live, know how to spin.

Original: No man is an island.
Literally: Man is not an island.
Russian equivalent: One is not a warrior in the field.

Original: People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Literally: People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Russian equivalent: He sees a mote in someone else's eye, but does not notice a log in his own. / Pot calls the kettle black?

Original: Birds of a feather flock together.
Literally: Birds of the same flight come together.
Russian equivalent: A fisherman sees a fisherman from afar. / Your reluctant friend.

Original: There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Literally: There is no free lunch.
Russian equivalent: Free cheese - only in a mousetrap.

Original: The early bird catches the worm.
Literally: The early bird catches the worm.
Russian analogue: Who gets up early, God gives him. / Whoever gets up first gets slippers.

Original: Beggars can't be choosers.
Literally: The poor cannot be selectors.
Russian analogue: On lack of fish and cancer - fish. / Hunger is not an aunt. / In need, every bread is tasty.

Original: Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Literally: Beauty (located) is in the eye of the beholder.
Russian analogue: There are no comrades for the taste and color. / Tastes could not be discussed. / Everyone sees beauty in their own way.

Original: A penny saved is a penny earned.
Literally: A penny saved is a penny earned.
Russian analogue: A penny saves a ruble.

Original: Absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Literally: Separation makes the heart grow hotter.
English equivalent: Love grows stronger in separation. / Further from the eyes - closer to the heart.

Original: A cat may look at a king.
Literally: A cat can look at a king.
Russian equivalent: Not holy pots are fired.

Original: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Literally: A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Russian equivalent: Half-knowledge is worse than ignorance. / An undereducated person is worse than an unlearned one.

Original: Like father,like son.
Literally: Like father, so son.
Russian equivalent: An apple does not fall far from an apple tree.

Original: All good things must come to an end.
Literally: All good things must come to an end.
Russian equivalent: A little bit of good. / Not all Maslenitsa cat, Great Lent will come.

Original: One drop of poison infections the whole tun of wine.
Literally: One drop of poison infects the whole barrel of wine.
Russian equivalent: Fly in the ointment in a barrel of honey.

Original: Easy come, easy go.
Literally: Easy to come, easy to go.
English equivalent: Easy to find, easy to lose. / It came in one fell swoop - it went to dust.

Original: You can't have your cake and eat it too.
Literally: You can't have your own cake and eat it too.
Russian analogue: If you like to ride, love to carry sleds.

Original: A great dowry is a bed full of brambles.
Literally: A rich dowry is a bed full of thorns.
English equivalent: It is better to marry a poor woman than to quarrel with a rich woman.

Original: A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
Literally: A bad conscience does not need an accuser.
Russian equivalent: A cat smells whose meat it has eaten. / An unclean conscience won't let you sleep.

Original: A Jack of all trades is master of none.
Literally: Jack, who takes on many crafts, is not good at any.
Russian equivalent: Everything is taken, but not everything succeeds. / Seven nannies have a child without an eye.

Original: A liar is not believed when he speaks the truth.
Literally: A liar is not believed, even when he speaks the truth.
Russian analogue: Once you lied, you became a liar forever.

Original: A little body often harbors a great soul.
Literally: A great soul often lurks in a small body.
Russian analogue: Small spool, but expensive.

Original: .
Literally: A rolling stone does not grow moss.
Russian analogue: Whoever does not sit still, he will not gain any good. / Walking around the world - you can’t make good.

Original: You cannot teach old dogs new tricks.
Literally: You can't teach old dogs new tricks.
Russian analogue: Young - will go crazy, and old - will not change. / You can't train an old dog to chain.

Original: Who keeps company with the wolf, will learn to howl.
Literally: He who hangs out with wolves will learn to howl.
Russian analogue: With whom you behave, you will gain from that.

Original: When the fox preaches, take care of your geese.
Literally: When the fox talks about morality, take care of the geese.
Russian equivalent: Shed crocodile tears. / Beware of the crocodile when it sheds tears.

Original: We never know the value of water till the well is dry.
Literally: We never know how valuable water is until the well is dry.
Russian analogue: What we have, we do not store, having lost, we cry.

Original: That throw a stone in one "s own garden.
Literally: Throw a stone into your own garden.
Russian equivalent: Put a pig on yourself.

Original: .
Literally: A leopard cannot change its spots.
Russian analogue: The grave will fix the humpbacked one.

Original: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
Literally: A bird in the hands is worth two in a bush.
Russian equivalent: Better a titmouse in the hands than a crane in the sky.

Original: .
Literally: A chain is as strong as its weakest link.
Russian analogue: Where it is thin, it breaks there.

Original: He that mischief hatches mischief catches.
Literally: Who bears evil, evil also receives.
Russian analogue: Mouse's tears will shed to a cat.

Original: As the fool thinks, so the bell clinks.
Literally: As a fool thinks, so the bell tolls.
Russian equivalent: The law is not written for fools.

Original: .
Literally: Where there is dirt, there are copper coins.
Russian equivalent: You can't even catch a fish from a pond without effort. / He who does not take risks does not drink champagne.

And for dessert, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with additional English sayings and vivid expressions, divided by subject:

It is possible that both of these meanings served to form the expression that has been used in the speech of native English speakers for several centuries now.

• A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

The weakest link. Nowadays, we can hear this expression, popular thanks to a television program, in various life situations.

By the way, there was a transmission in the UK, and later in many other countries. The meaning of the show was to demonstrate general knowledge in various fields: from art and philosophy to natural sciences. In fact, it is a well-known fact that any chain will break easily if one of its links is thinner than the others. In a figurative sense, this phrase began to be used in the 18th century.

• A leopard cannot change its spots.

Who would have thought that some proverbs even refer to sayings from scripture. So, the seemingly trivial phrase “A leopard cannot change its spots”, taken out of context, actually refers to religion:

"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots?Then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil."
Can a Cushite change its skin color or a leopard change its spots? So you are incapable of doing good, having learned to do evil.

• Where there's muck there's brass.

The expression itself, in the form in which it now exists, appeared in the 20th century, and originated in Yorkshire, England. Word " brass" was once used as a name for copper and bronze coins, and later for all forms of money in Great Britain in the 16th century. The English satirist, Joseph Hall, wrote in 1597: "It is a shame that inspiration is bought and sold for every peasant coin."

Now it's a slang term. The saying is rarely used nowadays, although the authors deliberately use it when they want to create an image of a character from Yorkshire.

• A rolling stone gathers no moss.

As with all proverbs, this is not a literal meaning that conveys meaning, but a metaphor. A "rolling stone" refers to a person who is unable to fix a problem or finish a job, and is therefore considered unreliable and unproductive.

Conclusion

Proverbs and sayings are a great solution to decorate colloquial speech with bright and funny phrases. Learn English with fun and do not be afraid of new expressions, and we will help you with this.

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