Proverbs in English with literal translation. English proverbs and sayings. Where to look for proverbs and sayings in English by topic

Proverbs and sayings have become so firmly established in our lives that they have practically “dissolved” in it. And now we weave apt phrases into our speech, rarely thinking about their wording. Because a proverb is a ready-made “formula” of thought, with a deep meaning and a refined form. These are English proverbs and sayings. Over their centuries-old history, they have achieved perfect accuracy of every thought expressed. Especially if you take into account your unique view of the world. Therefore, now we have English proverbs for any situation and area of ​​life: be it friendship, family, work and other important circumstances.

There are even proverbs about English in the English language! And this, in general, is not surprising, since it concerns such an important and voluminous area of ​​life. And so in every language, in every culture, proverbs reflect the accumulated invaluable experience of generations. Therefore, it is almost always possible to find equivalent proverbs in different languages. In this article, we will definitely look at not only the best proverbs about friendship, about family, about life and discuss their meaning, but we will also find an English analogue of a proverb that is familiar in Russian.

Proverbs in English with translation into Russian

If so, then we’ll start right away with familiar plots. More precisely, not like that: let's start by looking for familiar plots and ideas among English proverbs. To do this, we looked for proverbs in English that have direct Russian analogues. That's what came out of it:

English proverb	Translation into Russian	Russian analogue of the proverb
A cat in gloves catches no mice	A cat with gloves won't catch mice	You can’t even pull a fish out of a pond without difficulty.
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link	A chain is only as strong as its weakest link	Where it’s thin, that’s where it breaks.
A change is as good as a rest	Change is as good as rest.	The best rest is a change of activity.
A friend in need is a friend indeed	A friend in need is a friend indeed.	A friend in need is a friend indeed.
A good beginning makes a good ending	A good start makes for a good ending	Down and Out trouble started
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step	A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.	The one who walks will master the road
A leopard cannot change its spots	A leopard cannot change its spots.	Leopard change his spots. A black dog cannot be washed white.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing	Knowing little is dangerous	Half-knowledge is worse than ignorance.
A little of what you fancy does you good	A little treat goes a long way	Anything is possible, just be careful.
A new broom sweeps clean	The new broom sweeps cleanly.	A new broom sweeps in a new way.

It's funny to watch how similar thoughts are embodied in different languages ​​into those realities that are understandable to one or another people. For example, where Russian wisdom mentions a “black dog,” the English equivalent of the proverb speaks of a leopard, which Russian storytellers simply could not see.

English proverbs and their meaning

The meaning of proverbs in English lies not only in conveying folk wisdom, reflection cultural achievements and other abstract formulations that we so often encounter in textbooks. In fact, you can find much more useful for real life application of proverbs in English. It's about expanding your vocabulary.

The use of proverbs in English is a sign of a developed vocabulary and fairly fluent command of the language. This means that you can not only express a certain thought, but also creatively play with it. There are several advantages of knowing proverbs and sayings:

• development of spoken language in addition to the techniques and training that we wrote about in.
• a deeper understanding of the plots of books in English and audiobooks (with our recommendations).
• free perception and without.

So we are definitely in favor of learning proverbs, especially about friendship, family and other fundamental concepts.

Original English proverbs

Despite the similar meaning of many proverbs, there are completely original sayings that cannot be found in any other language. This is all the more interesting and helps in learning a foreign language and culture in general. We found the following proverbs in English:

• If you can't be good - be careful (Be careful if you can't be good). Obviously, the point here is to behave carefully when you need to do something wrong, and at least not to cause harm to yourself or others. This proverb does not have a Russian analogue, but there is an analogue in Latin: “Si non caste, tamen caute” (if not chastely, then at least carefully).
• A volunteer is worth twenty pressed men (One volunteer is worth twenty forced ones). This proverb also has no direct analogue in Russian culture, but we can understand it this way: sincere desire and enthusiasm can achieve more than completing a task without interest and desire.
• Suffering for a friend double friendship (Suffering for a friend doubles the friendship). Please note that this is not about helping out a friend or remaining friends despite any problems. Namely, about empathizing, sympathizing with a friend and even experiencing his grief as your own.
• Don't keep a dog and bark yourself (Don't get a dog if you bark yourself). Apparently, the proverb speaks of the importance of delegation of authority, in other words, that you do not need to fulfill other people's duties (for example, your subordinates).
• Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (Imitation is the most sincere flattery). There’s not even anything to add here, this remark is so apt and eloquent.
• It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness (It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness). That is, it is better to do at least something to correct the situation than to sit back and complain.
• Money talks (The money speaks for itself). That is, money decides everything. This is more of a saying than a proverb. And, contrary to popular belief, its translation into Russian is not an analogue at all, but a later borrowing.

Friends are made in wine and proven in tears

Translation: Friendship is born in wine and tested in tears. You can recall several Russian proverbs, the meaning of which fits into this one laconic statement. If you know other expressive English proverbs, we will be very glad to see them in the comments!

Both English and Russian languages ​​are extremely rich in their proverbs and sayings. In this regard, it was always interesting to find an analogy between English proverbs and their Russian equivalents. In this article I tried to find the most similar examples.

English Proverb	analog / Russian proverb
A
A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit	A bad peace is better than a good quarrel
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush	A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
A bully is always a coward	Well done among the sheep, and well done by the sheep himself
A burden of one’s choice is not felt	I can't bear my own burden
A castle that parleys is half gotten	The claw gets stuck - the whole bird is lost
A cat may look at a king	Everyone is equal under the sun
A cock is valiant on his own dunghill	Every sandpiper is great in its swamp
A cursed cow has short horns	God does not give a horn to a carnivorous cow
A drop of honey catches more flies than a hogshed of vinegar	Small spool but precious
A fool and his money are soon parted	A fool has a hole in his fist
A fool may ask more questions in an hour than a wise man can answer in seven years.	You can't save any fool's mind
A friend in need is a friend indeed	A friend in need is a friend indeed
A good anval does not fear the hammer	Truth is not afraid of court
A good husband should be deaf and a good wife should be blind	A good husband should be deaf, and a good wife should be blind.
A good name is better than riches	Not a penny of money, but fame is good. It is better to be poor than to become rich through sin.
A guilty conscience is a self-accuser	Bad conscience doesn't let me sleep
A living dog is better than dead lion	Better a pigeon in a plate than a capercaillie on a leash
A man can die but once	Two deaths cannot happen, but one cannot be avoided
A man is as old as he feels, and a woman as old as she looks	A man is as old as he feels, and a woman is as old as she looks.
A man is known by the company he keeps	Tell me who your friend is and I'll tell you who you are
A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day	hope dies last
A sound mind in a sound body	In a healthy body healthy mind
A wonder lasts but nine days	Pancakes, even then they get boring
Absence makes the heart grow fonder	From separation love is hot
Accidents will happen in the best regulated families	Every family has its black sheep
Actions speak louder than words	Actions speak louder than words
Adversity is a good teacher	Trouble is a good teacher
All bread is not baked in one oven	Don't put everyone under the same brush
All is not gold that glitters	All that glitters is not gold
All married women are not alive	Not all married women are wives
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy	Know how to get things done - know how to have fun. Mix business with idleness and you will live a lifetime of fun
An apple a day keeps the doctor away	Bow from seven ailments
An idle brain is the devil’s workshop	Idleness is the mother of all vices. When idle, all sorts of stupid things come into my head.
An old dog will learn no new tricks	Leopard change his spots
Anything to make it tougher	It doesn't get any easier hour by hour
Apropos of nothing	Neither to the village nor to the city
Appearances are deceptive	Appearances are deceptive
As the fool thinks, so the bell clinks	There is no law for a fool
At the world's end	In the middle of nowhere
Avoid someone or something like the plague	Like hell from incense
B
Bacchus drowned more men than Neptune	More people drown in a glass than in the sea. More people die in wine than in water. He who loves wine destroys himself
But one claw snagged, the bird is bagged	The claw gets stuck - the whole bird is lost
Brave against sheep, but himself a sheep against the brave	Well done against the sheep, and against the well done the sheep itself
Bowed heads don't get chopped off	A fault confessed is half redressed
Be my guest and have a rest	You are welcome to our hut
Better one small fish than an empty dish	A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush
Better never begin than never make an end	Picked up the tug, don’t say it’s not strong
Beat the air / Beat the bush	Pour from empty to empty, pound water in a mortar
Barking dogs rarely bite	He who threatens a lot does little harm
Beauty is but skin deep	Beauty is deceiving
Beauty is in the eye of the gazer	It's not just good, but it's good
Beggars must be no choosers
Better bend than break	Seek meekness so as not to reach the abyss. Quiet is not dashing, but quieter is more profitable.
Between friends all is common	For a dear friend and an earring from the ear
Birds of a feather flock together	Birds of a feather. Birds of a feather flock together. The apple never falls far from the tree
Brandishing fists after the fight never proves anyone’s might	After a fight they don’t wave their fists
Business before pleasure	Finished the job - go for a walk safely. Time for business, time for fun
C
Children are poor man's riches	What a treasure when the children get along well.
Constantly dropping wears away a stone	A drop of stone is sharpened
Creditors have better memories than debtors	Debts are remembered not by those who take, but by those who give.
D
Dance to smb's pipe	Dancing to someone else's tune
Discretion is the better part of value	God saves man, who save himself
Diamond cut diamond	Found a scythe on a stone
Don’t cry out before you are hurt	Don't cry before you die
Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth	They do not look at a given horse's teeth
Don't put all your eggs in one basket	Don't bet everything on one card . You can't hang everything on one nail
Don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs	Teach your grandmother to suck eggs
Don’t trouble troubles till troubles trouble you	Don't worry while it's quiet
E
East or west home is best	Being a guest is good, but being at home is better
Every bullet has its billet	Everyone has their own plan. Which have not be avoided
Every cloud has a silver lining	Every cloud has a silver lining
Every dog ​​has his day	Every dog ​​has his day
Every man has his faults	There are no people without shortcomings. From West to East there is no man without a vice.
F
Facts are stubborn	Facts are stubborn things
Fine feathers make fine birds	Tailor makes the man
Fine words butter no parsnips	Nightingales are not fed fables
First catch your hare, then cook him	Don't say hop until you jump over
Fish begins to stink at the head	The fish rots from the head
Forewarned is forearmed	Forewarned is forearmed
Friendship cannot stand always on one side	Friendship should be mutual
G
Glutton: one who digs his grave with his teeth	The glutton digs his own grave with his own teeth
God helps those who help themselves	Trust in God, and don’t make a mistake yourself. God saves man, who save himself
God is God but don’t be a clod	Trust in God, and don’t make a mistake yourself
Gratitude is the heart's memory	Gratitude is a memory of the heart
Gray hair is sign of age, not of wisdom	Gray hair is a sign of age, not wisdom
Great cry little wool	Much ado about nothing
H
Half a loaf is better than no bread	Without fish and cancer, fish
Handsome is as handsome does	He is not good who is good-looking, but he is good who is good for business
Hard words break no bones	Hard words break no bones. The word is not hard - it doesn’t hit you in the forehead. Words won't make it
He that is afraid of wounds, must not come near a battle	If you're afraid of wolves, don't go into the forest
He that would eat the fruit, must climb the tree	You can’t even pull a fish out of a pond without difficulty. If you love to ride, you also love to carry sleds. Without labor there is no fruit
He who borrows sells his freedom	He who borrows sells his freedom
He who likes skiing downhill must enjoy skiing uphill	If you like to ride, you also like to carry sleds
He who pays the piper calls the tune	The one who pays is the one who disposes
Don't laugh best who laugh last	He who laughs last laughs best
He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses a friend loses more; but he that loses his courage loses all (Miguel Cervantes)	He who loses wealth loses much; he who loses friends loses even more; but he who loses his presence of mind loses everything
Hell is paved with good intentions	The road to hell is paved with good intentions
He who sacrifices his conscience to ambition burns a picture to obtain the ashes	Small money comes from blood and sweat, big money comes from theft.
Honesty is the best policy	Honesty comes first
Honor and profit lie not in one sack	Honor and profit do not live together
Hope for the best but prepare for the worst	Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst
Husband and wife live the same life	Husband and wife, one of Satan
I
If a man is destined to drown, he will drown even in a spoonful of water	You can't escape fate
If life gives you a lemon, make lemonade	In any disgusting place you can find a piece of ham
If the blind lead the blind both shall fall into the ditch	A blind man leads a blind man, but neither of them can see. The blind are no guide to the blind
If the cap fits, wear it	The thief's hat is on fire
If wishes were horses beggers might ride	If only there were mushrooms growing in my mouth
If you try to please all you will please none	He pleases everyone, but he is unsuitable for anyone. You can't please the whole world. You can't make a soft bed for the whole world. You can't please everyone
If you wish to know what a man is, place him in authority	If you want to know what a person is like, give him power
Ill news travels fast	Bad news never stops
Ill-gotten goods never prosper	Stolen wealth disappears like ice melts. Someone else's goods are of no use. Someone else’s money is not good for future use: as it comes, so it goes
In every beginning think of the end	Think about the end from the very beginning. When starting a business, think about the end. No wonder to start, no wonder to end
It is easy to be wise after the event	Wise after the event. After a fight they don’t wave their fists
t is never too late to mend	Know how to make a mistake - know how to get better
It is not work that kills men, it is worry	It's not work that kills people, it's care
It is too late to lock the stable-door when the horse is stolen	After a fight they don’t wave their fists. The train left
It's a poor heart that never rejoices	He who knows how to have fun is not afraid of grief
It’s not a gay coat that makes the gentleman	Clothes don't make a man
L
Least said, soonest mended	To speak in good times, and in bad times to remain silent. Talk less, sin less. The less said, the faster it is fixed.
Let's go well alone	They don’t seek good from goodness
Life is not all beer and skittles	To live life is not to cross a field (not to weave bast shoes)
Like a bull in Chinashop	Like a bull in a china shop
Like father, like son	The apple never falls far from the tree
Little wit in the mind makes much work for the feet	A bad head gives no rest to your legs
Lost time is never found again	You can't get back lost time
M
Make hay while the sun shines	Strike while the iron is hot. Mow your hair while there is dew
Man does not live by bread alone	Man does not live by bread alone
Man proposes, God disposes	Man proposes, but God disposes
Many a true word is spoken in jest	Every joke has a bit of truth. There is often truth in jokes
Marriages are made in heaven	Who is destined to
Marry in haste and repent at leisure	You marry quickly and for a long time torment
Misfortunes never come alone	Trouble has come - open the gate
Money makes the mare go	For money and a nag will gallop
Money spent on the brain, is never spent in vain	Money spent to develop the mind is never wasted.
N
Never swap horses crossing a stream	They don’t change horses midway
No bees no honey, no work no money	Who does not work shall not eat
No fool like an old fool	Gray hair in the beard, devil in the rib
No man is a hero to his valet	No man is a hero in the eyes of his servant
No news is good news	No news is good news
No two minds think alike	How many heads - so many minds
None but the brave deserve the fair	Cheek brings success
O
Of two evils choose the least	Of two evils choose the less
Once bitten, twice shy	If you burn yourself on milk, you will blow on water. Scared crow is afraid of a bush
One cannot put back the clock	You can't bring back the past
One cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds	Both ours and yours - we will all dance. Dance at two weddings
One man’s meat is another man’s poison	What is good for a Russian is death for a German
P
Patience is a plaster for all sores	Patience is the best salvation. Patience will gradually take its toll. You can overcome anything with patience
Patience is power; with time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes silk	Patience is strength. Time and patience turn mulberry leaves into silk.
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones	Pot calls the kettle black
Practice makes perfect	The master's work is afraid
Pride goes before a fall	The devil was proud and fell from the sky. He who flies too high falls low
Promise little, but do much	Promise little and deliver a lot
S
Skeptics are never deceived	You can't fool a skeptic
Seeing is believing	Seeing is believing
Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get	Since we can't have what we want, let's want what we can get.
Spare the rod and spoil the child	If you spare the rod, you will spoil the child
Strike while the iron is hot	Strike while the iron is hot
T
The absent are always in the wrong	Absentees are always wrong
The appetite comes with eating	Appetite comes with eating
The chain is no stronger than its weakest link	Where it's thin, that's where it breaks
The course of true love never did run smooth	The path of true love is never smooth
The exception proves the rule	Exception proves the rule
The face is the index of the mind	The face is a mirror of thoughts. What is brewing in the heart cannot be hidden on the face
The girl looks fine but she isn’t mine	Masha is good, but not ours
The leopard cannot change his spots	You can't wash a black dog white
The man who lives only by hope will die with despair	He who lives only in hopes will die in despair
The only real equality is in the cemetery	The only place where everyone is truly equal is the cemetery
The proof of the pudding is in the eating	Dinner is known by eating, and intelligence by listening.
The shoemaker makes a good shoe because he makes nothing else	A shoemaker makes good shoes because he doesn't do anything else.
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach	The way to a man's heart is through his stomach
The weakest goes to the wall	The lively one gallops, and the meek one cries. I humble the dog and kokhet will beat you. The weak are beaten
The woman who tells her age is either too young to have anything to lose, or too old to have anything to gain	A woman who does not hide her age is either too young and has nothing to lose, or too old and has nothing to seek.
There are two sides to every question	Every coin has a reverse side
Time heals all wounds	Time heals all wounds
To know everything is to know nothing	To know everything is to know nothing
To be on one's guard	Keep your eyes open. Be careful
To be back at the bottom of the ladder	Stay with nothing
Train hard fight easy	Hard to learn, easy to fight
Trust but verify	Trust but check
Truth lies at the bottom of a well	Look for the wind in the field, and the truth at the bottom of the sea
V
Velvet paws hide sharp claws	The fur is smooth, but the claw is sharp. A fox's tail and a wolf's mouth. Sweet in the mouth, but bitter in the mouth. Smooth in appearance, but not sweet to the tooth
Virtue is its own reward	Virtue needs no reward
W
We must learn to forgive and forget	We must learn to forgive and forget
Well begun is half done	A good start is half the battle gone
What cannot be cured must be endured	What cannot be healed must be endured
What is bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.	The wolf molts every year, but the custom does not change
What is worth doing at all is worth doing well	If you're going to do it, do it well
What the eye does not see the heart does not grieve over	Out of sight, out of mind
What the fool does in the end, the wise man does in the beginning	What a fool does in the end, a wise man does in the beginning
When poverty comes in at the door, love flies out at the window.	Hood Roman, when your pocket is empty, Martyn is good, when there is altyn
When the cat is away, the mice will play	The cat is out of the house - the mice dance
Where there's a will, there is a way	Where there is will, there is ability. If you were willing, any job would work out
Whom Gods would destroy, they first make mad	Those whom the gods want to destroy, they first deprive of their minds
Worry gives a small thing a big shadow	Anxious thoughts create large shadows for small objects.
Y
You can take the horse to the water, but you cannot make him drink	You can't take everything by force
You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.	You can't cook porridge with an ax
You never know what you can do till you try	Trying is not torture
Z
Zeal is fit for wise men but is mostly found in fools	Diligence is needed only by the smart, but it is found mainly in fools

Found in books, especially in journalism and fiction. Native speakers may use them without noticing. That’s why “communication formulas” (formulaic language) are convenient because they serve as convenient templates with which you can easily express a thought.

Read also:

Difficulties in translating sayings and proverbs

When talking about the meaning of proverbs, sayings, idioms, riddles, puns and other works of oral folk art that should not be taken literally, the term “equivalent” is usually preferred rather than “translation”.

Some sayings can be translated literally, and their translation will be an exact equivalent of the original: Better late than never - Better late than never. But this is a rather rare case. Often it is better not to translate literally, but to select an equivalent from the Russian language. For example:

• In English: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
• Literal translation into Russian: Rome was not built in a day.

In films and literature, when a hero uses a saying, it is often translated as the context requires. Sometimes it is better to translate literally than to take the equivalent from Russian folklore. For example, there is an English proverb “Curiosity killed a cat” - “curiosity killed the cat.” The equivalent can be considered “the curious Varvara’s nose was torn off at the market,” since the meaning is, in general, the same.

But if in a film about a British spy, one MI6 agent reminds another that “curiosity killed a cat,” the remark about Varvara will be inappropriate, it is better to translate it literally or replace it with a suitable expression that conveys the meaning.

Below are 53 popular sayings and proverbs in English. The first 10 are translated literally without any tricks. The remaining 40 are given literal translations and equivalents.

Sayings and proverbs in English that are translated literally

1. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

• Do not judge a book by its cover; Not all that glitters is gold.

2. Strike while the iron is hot.

• Strike while the iron is hot.

3.Better late than never.

• Better late than never.

4. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.

• Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

5. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

• Don't put all your eggs in one basket; Don't put everything on one card.

6.My hands are tied.

• My hands are tied.

7. It’s the tip of the iceberg.

• This is the tip of the iceberg.

8.Easy come, easy go.

• Easy Come Easy Go; as it came, so it went; God gave, God took.

9. The forbidden fruit is always the sweetest.

• The forbidden fruit is always sweet.

10. You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

• You can't make scrambled eggs without breaking eggs.

Proverbs and sayings in English with Russian equivalents

11. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.

• Literally: the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
• Equivalent: it’s good where we are not.

12. When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

• Literally: when you are in Rome, do everything as the Romans do.
• Equivalent: they don’t go to someone else’s monastery with their own rules.

13. Don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.

• Literally: don’t make a mountain out of an anthill.
• Equivalent: don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

14. An apple a day keeps the doctor away.

• Literally: an apple a day, and you don't need a doctor.
• Equivalent: onion for seven ailments.

15. Rome wasn’t built in a day.

• Literally: Rome was not built in a day.
• Equivalent: Moscow was not built right away.

16. You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.

• Literally: you make the bed, sleep on it.
• Equivalent: whoever made the mess, it’s up to him to sort it out.

17. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.

• Literally: don't count your chickens before they hatch.
• Equivalent: chickens are counted in the fall.

18. Money doesn’t grow on trees.

• Literally: money doesn't grow on trees.
• Equivalent: Money doesn't grow on trees; there is no money lying around on the street.

In Russian, you can say about anything “... it’s not lying on the road (street),” not only about money.

19. Too many cooks spoil the broth.

• Literally: too many cooks spoil the broth (soup).
• Equivalent: seven nannies have a child without an eye.

This refers to a situation where too many people are working on one thing, interfering with each other.

20. Many hands make light work.

• Literally: many hands make light work.
• Equivalent: tackle together - it won’t be too heavy; when there are many hands, the work gets done.

21. Honesty is the best policy.

• Literally: honesty is the best strategy (policy).
• Equivalent: Honesty is the best strategy; the secret becomes apparent; murder will out.

22. Practice makes perfect.

• Literally: practice makes perfect.
• Equivalent: practice makes perfect; repetition is the mother of learning; practice makes perfect.

23. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

• Literally: where there is a will, there is a way.
• Equivalent: whoever wants, will achieve; If there is a desire, there will be a way.

24.Look before you leap.

• Literally: look before you leap.
• Equivalent: if you don’t know the ford, don’t stick your nose into the water.

It's funny that there is a saying that contradicts this one: He who hesitates is lost. - He who hesitates loses.

25. Beggars can’ t be choosers.

• Literally: poor people don't get to choose.
• Equivalent: Poor people don't have to choose; I wouldn't live to be fat.

26. The early bird catches the worm.

• Literally: the early bird catches the worm.
• Equivalent: whoever gets up early, God provides; who gets up early, good luck awaits him.

27. The cat is out of the bag.

• Literally: the cat got out of the bag.
• Equivalent: the secret has become apparent; the cards are revealed.

28. He who laughs last, laughs longest.

• Literally: he who laughs last laughs longest.
• Equivalent: He who laughs last laughs best.

29. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

• Literally: better safe than sorry.
• Equivalent: measure seven times - cut once.

30. Old habits die hard.

• Literally: old habits die hard.
• Equivalent: habit is second nature; Old habits are hard to break.

31. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

• Literally: don't bite off more than you can chew.
• Equivalent: Don't take more than you can take; Don't bite off more than you can chew.

32. Actions speak louder than words.

• Literally: actions speak louder than words.
• Equivalent: people are judged not by words, but by deeds.

33. It takes two to tango.

• Literally: tango is danced together.
• Equivalent: in a quarrel, both are always to blame.

This is usually what they say about quarreling people. It is impossible to start a quarrel alone, just as it is impossible to dance tango alone.

34. It’s no use crying over spilled milk.

• Literally: there is no use crying over spilled milk.
• Equivalent: what's done is done.

35. Lost time is never found again.

• Literally: lost time is never found again.
• Equivalent: lost time cannot be regained.

36. A rolling stones gathers no moss.

• Literally: no moss grows on a rolling stone.
• Equivalent: whoever can’t sit still will not make a fortune.

In Russian there is a similar saying “water does not flow under a lying stone,” but it cannot be called an equivalent, because the meaning is very different. Its essence is that a person needs to work in order to achieve something, and the meaning of the English proverb is different: a person who constantly changes occupations, places (a rolling stone) will not make good (moss).

3 7 . First things first.

• Literally: the main things come first.
• Equivalent: first things first; First things first; First of all - airplanes.

3 8 . Still waters run deep.

• Literally: still waters have deep currents.
• Equivalent: there are devils in still waters; someone else's soul is darkness.

Both equivalents do not accurately convey the essence of the saying. What this means is that just because a person doesn't talk much doesn't mean he doesn't have deep thoughts.

39. If it is not broke, don’t fix it.

• Literally: if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
• Equivalent: it works - don’t touch it; don’t touch it, otherwise you’ll break it; best the enemy of the good.

40 . Curiosity killed the cat.

• Literally: curiosity killed the cat.
• Equivalent: curious Varvara’s nose was torn off at the market; curiosity brings no good.

41. Learn to walk before you run.

• Literally: learn to walk before you run.
• Equivalent: not all at once; everything has its turn.

42. Do a little well and you do much.

• Literally: do a little well and you will do a lot.
• Equivalent: less is more.

43. Out of sight, out of mind.

• Literally: out of sight, out of mind.
• Equivalent: out of sight, out of mind.

44. If you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.

• Literally: if you scratched my back, I'll scratch yours.
• Equivalent: do good and it will come back to you.

45. Ignorance is bliss.

• Literally: ignorance is a blessing.
• Equivalent: ignorance is bliss; the less you know the better you sleep.

46. ​​Every cloud has a silver lining.

• Literally: every cloud has a silver lining.
• Equivalent: every cloud has a silver lining.

47 . Close but no cigar.

• Literally: close, but not a cigar.
• Equivalent: almost, but by; barely counts.

Cigars were traditional prizes in games at fairs. “Close but no cigar” means that you played well, but did not win.

48. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

• Literally: you can't have your cake and eat it too.
• Equivalent: you can't sit on two chairs.

49. Don’t cross the bridge until you come to it.

• Literally: do not cross the bridge before reaching it.
• Equivalent: everything has its turn; solve problems as they arise.

50. Lend your money and lose your friend.

• Literally: borrow money and you will lose a friend.
• Equivalent: to give a loan is to lose friendship.

51. A picture is worth a thousand words.

• Literally: a picture is worth a thousand words.
• Equivalent: it is better to see once than to hear a hundred times.

52. Birds of a feather flock together.

• Literally: birds of the same color stick together.
• Equivalent: a fisherman sees a fisherman from afar; suit is matched to suit; his reluctant brother.

53. No man is an island.

• Literally: a person is not an island.
• Equivalent: alone in the field is not a warrior.

The equivalent is not entirely accurate. It is implied that a person cannot be alone, he by nature is part of a larger one. The expression appears in the epigraph to Hemingway’s novel “For Whom the Bell Tolls” (an excerpt from a sermon by the 17th century English poet and priest John Donne):

“There is no person who would be like an Island, in itself, every person is part of the Continent, part of the Land; and if a wave carries the coastal cliff into the sea, Europe will become smaller, and the same if the edge of the cape is washed away or your castle or your friend is destroyed; the death of every Man diminishes me too, for I am one with all Mankind, and therefore do not ask for whom the bell tolls: it tolls for You.”

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Every culture has its own set of wise sayings - advice about how to live. These sayings are proverbs.

How can you use proverbs to learn English?

How to start understanding English by ear?

It is very important to know what the most common English proverbs are about, because they can often be heard in everyday speech. Sometimes friends use proverbs to give each other useful advice. Very often someone says only part of a proverb like:

You know what they say (You know how they often say:): when the going gets tough...

(Read proverb #5 in its entirety to understand the meaning.)

Also, knowledge of proverbs will give you an idea of ​​how English-speaking culture perceives the world around it.

The most English proverbs (English Proverbs)

This is a list of the most important common English proverbs. Under each of them we have made a simple explanation in Russian and a literal translation.

Since many proverbs have a huge amount of time, their meaning does not reflect the meaning, as in the Russian language.

1. "Two wrongs don"t make a right."

Meaning: When someone has done something wrong to you, trying to get revenge can only make things worse.

Literal translation: Two misconceptions are not yet true

Russian equivalent: Minus for minus is not always a plus.




2. "The pen is mightier than the sword."

Meaning: Trying to convince people that ideas and words are more effective than trying to force people to do what you want.

Literal translation: The pen (pen) is more powerful than the sword.

Russian equivalent: What is written with a pen cannot be cut down with an axe. Evil tongues are worse than a gun.




3. "When in Rome, do as the Romans."

Meaning: Act as those around you act. This saying is often used abroad when foreign habits and morals differ from their own.

Literal translation: When in Rome, act like a Roman.

Russian equivalent: People don’t bring their own samovar to visit.




4. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease."

Meaning: You can get better service if you complain about it. If you simply endure the inconvenience, no one will help you. Something needs to be done to make something change!

Literal translation: First lubricate the wheel that squeaks.

Russian equivalent: A rolling stone gathers no moss. If you want to live, know how to spin.

5. "When the going gets tough, the tough gets going."

Meaning: Strong people do not give up when difficulties arise. They start working more!

Literal translation: ...

Russian equivalent:- Close is slimy, far is easy.

6. "No man is an island."

Meaning: No one can be completely independent. Everyone needs the help of others.

Literal translation: Man is not an island.

Russian equivalent: There is safety in numbers.

7. "Fortune favors the bold."

Meaning: People who are courageously not afraid of difficulties are more successful than those who try to constantly be safe.

Literal translation: Fate favors the brave

Russian equivalent: Fortune favors the brave. Cheek brings success.

8. "People who live in glass houses should not throw stones."

Meaning: Don't criticize people when you yourself are not perfect. .

Literal translation: Anyone who lives in a glass house should not throw stones at others.

Russian equivalent: We see the speck in someone else's eye, but we don't notice the log in our own.

9. "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Meaning: Bad things happen, so be prepared for them.

Literal translation: Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst

Russian equivalent: Hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst.

10. "Better late than never."

Meaning: It’s better, of course, to do something on time. But if you can’t do it on time, do it anyway, even if it’s late.

Literal translation: Better late than never.

Russian equivalent: Better late than never.

11. "Birds of a feather flock together."

Meaning: People love to spend time with people who are similar to them.

Literal translation: Birds of the same plumage gather together

Russian equivalent: Birds of a feather flock together.

12. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer."

Meaning: If you have an enemy, pretend to be his friend instead of outright hostility. This way you can understand it weak sides and what he is planning.

Literal translation:

Russian equivalent: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

13. "A picture is worth a thousand words."

Meaning: Photos convey emotions more powerfully than text or voice. That's why we have Visual English :)

Literal translation: A picture is worth a thousand words.

Russian equivalent: Better to see once than hear a hundred times.

16. "Discretion is the greater part of value."

Meaning: Sometimes it is important to know when to stop and move on, instead of continuing a pointless fight and only prolonging an unfavorable outcome.

Literal translation: Caution is the better part of courage.

Russian equivalent: If you hurry, you will make people laugh. If you don't know the ford, don't go into the water.

17. "The early bird catches the worm."

Meaning: You have to get up early in the morning to succeed.

Literal translation: Early bird catch all the worms

Russian equivalent: Whoever gets up early, God gives to him.

18. "Never look a gift horse in the mouth."

Meaning: When someone gives you something, don't ask unnecessary questions about the gift.

Literal translation:

Russian equivalent: They do not look at a given horse's teeth.

19. "You can"t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs."

Meaning: When you strive to do something, there will probably be a few people who will be angry and irritated by it. Don't pay attention - focus on the result.

Literal translation: You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

Russian equivalent: You can't make an omelet without breaking eggs.

20. "God helps those who help themselves."

Meaning: Don't expect good things to happen on their own. Work hard to achieve your goals.

Literal translation: God helps those who help themselves.

Russian equivalent: Trust in God, and don’t make a mistake yourself. God saves man, who save himself.

21. "You can"t always get what you want."

Meaning: Don't cry and complain if you didn't get what you expected (wanted).

Literal translation: You can't always get what you want

Russian equivalent: It’s not always Maslenitsa for cats.

22. "Cleanliness is next to godliness."

Meaning: Be clean.

Literal translation: Purity follows piety

Russian equivalent: In a healthy body healthy mind.

23. "Watched pot never boils."

Meaning: If something is about to happen, you don’t need to think about it because it may seem like it will take forever.

Literal translation: While you are looking at the kettle, it will not boil.

Russian equivalent: Whoever stands over the kettle does not boil it. The pot that is being watched is the last to boil.

24. "Beggars can"t be choosers."

Meaning: If you ask someone for something, then you have to take whatever they offer.

Literal translation: Beggars don't choose.

Russian equivalent: Beggars don't have to choose.

25. "Actions speak louder than words."

Meaning: Just saying you will do something doesn't mean anything. Real “doing” is much more difficult than one might think.

Literal translation: Actions speak louder than words.

Russian equivalent: The actions speak for themselves.

26. "If it ain"t broke, don"t fix it."

Meaning: Don't try to fix something that already works well.

Literal translation: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Russian equivalent: They do not seek good from good.

27. "Practice makes perfect."

Meaning: You have to practice to get better at what you do.

Literal translation: Practice makes perfect.

Russian equivalent: Repetition is the mother of learning.

28. "Too many cooks spoil the broth."

Meaning: When too many people try to command it produces bad results.

Literal translation: Too many cooks will spoil the broth.

Russian equivalent: Too many cooks spoil the broth.

29. "Easy come, easy go."

Meaning: Money that comes easily disappears just as easily.

Literal translation: Easy Come Easy Go.

Russian equivalent: Easy to find, easy to lose. God gave, God took away.

30. "Don't bite the hand that feeds you."

Meaning: If someone helps you, be careful not to say something bad and anger the well-wisher.

Literal translation: Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

Russian equivalent: Don’t drink the branch you’re sitting on. Don’t spit in the well—you’ll need to drink some water.

31. "All good things must come to an end."

Meaning: Luck cannot help you forever; someday it will stop.

Literal translation: All good things come to an end.

Russian equivalent: All good things come to an end.

32. "If you can"t beat "em, join "em."

Meaning: Trying to change someone may not work; you may have to change yourself.

Literal translation: If you can't win, join us.

Russian equivalent: If you can't fight, then lead.

33. "One man's trash is another man's treasure."

Meaning: Different people have different values.

Literal translation: One man's trash is another man's treasure.

Russian equivalent: What is good for a Russian is death for a German.

35. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Meaning: Different people have different views about beauty. .

Literal translation: Beauty is in the eyes of the one who looks

Russian equivalent: Every man to his own taste.

36. "Necessity is the mother of invention."

Meaning: When you are truly in need, then a creative solution is sought.

Literal translation: Necessity is the mother of invention.

Russian equivalent: The need for invention is cunning.

37. "A penny saved is a penny earned."

Meaning: Saving money is like earning it.

Literal translation: A penny saved is a penny earned.

Russian equivalent: A kopeck saves the ruble.

38. "Familiarity breeds contempt."

Meaning: When someone is near you for an annoyingly long time, you get tired of him.

Literal translation: Familiarity breeds contempt

Russian equivalent:

39. "You can"t judge a book by its cover."

Meaning: Many things look worse than they really are (and vice versa).

Literal translation: Do not judge a book by its cover.

Russian equivalent: They are greeted by their clothes and escorted by their intelligence.

40. "Good things come to those who wait."

Meaning: Be patient.

Literal translation: Good things come to those who wait.

Russian equivalent:

41. "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."

Meaning: Have a backup plan.

Literal translation:

Russian equivalent: Don't put all your eggs in one basket.

42. "Two heads are better than one."

Meaning: When two people collaborate, the likelihood of a good idea coming out increases.

Literal translation:

Russian equivalent: One head it's good, but two better.

43. "The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill."

Meaning: People tend to want what they don't have.

Literal translation: The grass is always greener on the other side of the hill.

Russian equivalent: Well, where we do not.

44. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Meaning: Don't do harm to people.

Literal translation: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Russian equivalent: As it comes back, so will it respond.

45. "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link."

Meaning: If someone shows bad results, the whole team is at risk.

Literal translation: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.

Russian equivalent: Where it's thin, that's where it breaks.

46. ​​"Honesty is the best policy."

Meaning: Do not lie.

Honesty is the best policy.

Russian equivalent: Eat bread and salt, but tell the truth.

47. "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Meaning: Sometimes it’s good to be far from your beloved in order to experience the joy of meeting again.

Literal translation: Absence strengthens feelings

Russian equivalent: Separation is for love what the wind is for a spark: it will extinguish a small one, and make a big one even stronger.

48. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can"t make him drink."

Meaning: If you're trying to help someone and they don't care, give it up. You cannot force someone to accept your help.

Literal translation: You can take a horse to water, but you cannot force it to drink.

Russian equivalent:

49. "Don't count your chickens before they hatch."

Meaning: Wait for success before planning the next result.

Literal translation: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.

Russian equivalent: Chickens are counted in the fall. Do not share the skin of an unkilled bear.

50. "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."

Meaning: Don't trust others to do important things for you.

Literal translation:

Russian equivalent: If you want something done well, do it yourself.

We bring to your attention an interesting selection of popular English proverbs with translation into Russian. English proverbs found their direct reflection in Russian proverbs.

If you find yourself in a situation where a proverb would be appropriate, don’t be shy – speak up! You will immediately bring a touch of positivity and respect to your communication. Knowledge of the country's traditions, speech culture and customs of the nation is valued all over the world.

1. A bird may be known by its song- The bird is visible in flight
2. A dog is a manger - The dog is lying on the hay - it doesn’t eat itself and doesn’t give it to others
3. A good beginning makes a good ending- A good start is half the battle
4. A lame duck - Loser
5. A light purse is a heavy curse- The worst of all troubles is when there is no money
6. A man can do no more than he can- You can’t jump over your head
7. A penny saved is a penny gained- If you haven’t spent a penny, that means you’ve earned it.
8. All in the same boat - To be in the same position as someone.
9. All’s well that ends well - All is well that ends well
10. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth- An eye for an eye a tooth for a tooth
11. As fit as a fiddle - In good health, in a good mood
12. As snug as a bug in a rug - Settled down like a bug in a carpet
13. As well be hung (hung) for a sheep as for a lamb- Two deaths cannot happen, but one cannot be avoided
14. Better late than never - Better late than never
15. Break a leg / good luck k - Good luck! Break a leg
16. But… There is always but…- But... There is always some kind of but...
17. But there is no flying from fate- You can’t escape fate
18. By one’s father’s side - On the paternal side, on the paternal side
19. East or West home is best - Away is good, but home is better
20. Every man has a fool in his sleeve- Simplicity is enough for every wise man
21. Extremes meet - Extremes meet
22. Have a heart! - Have mercy, have mercy!
23. He know most who speaks least - Talk less, listen more
24. He knows all the answers. - He won’t go into his pocket for a word.
25. He that can’t obey cannot command- The general who was a soldier is good
26. Honesty is the best policy - Honesty is the best policy
27. I dare swear - I dare to swear
28. If there is a will, there is a way- You can want it
29. If there were no clouds we should not enjoy the sun- If there were no clouds, we would not appreciate the sun
30. If you can't beat them, join them- If you can't beat it, join them
31. It's like putting a saddle on a cow- Fits like a cow's saddle
32. It's never too late to learn- Live and learn
33. Just a joke - Just a joke
34. Learning is the eye of the mind- Learning is light, not learning is darkness.
35. Look who's talking!
36. - Pot calls the kettle black!
37. Lovely weather for ducks!
38. - There is no bad weather! Make hay while the sun shines - Mow your hair while there is dew; strike while the iron is hot
39. Man can't live by bread alone- A person cannot live on bread alone
40. Men leap over where the hedge is lowest- Cross the stream in a shallow place
41. Men may meet but mountains never
42. - Man will meet man. and mountain with mountain - never
43. Money can’t buy you love - Money can’t buy love
44. Money doesn’t grow on trees - Money doesn’t lie on the street Money makes the mare go - For oats and the nag will gallop
45. Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today
46. - Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today
47. New lords new laws - The new broom sweeps in a new way….
48. No butts! - No buts! No man can serve two masters - You cannot serve two masters at once
49. No man is born wise or learned
50. - Sages and scientists are not born
51. No new - is a good new - No news - good news No sweet without sweat - Without tasting the bitter, there is no sweet to be seen
52. Nothing is impossible to a willing heart- If there is a hunt, there will always be an opportunity
53. Nothing is so certain as the unexpected
54. -What you don’t expect is what you get Nothing is stolen without hands - No smoke without fire
55. One can’t make a silk purse if a sow’s ear- Man does not live by bread alone
56. One man’s meat is another man’s poison One cannot be in two places at once
57. One swallow does not make a summer- One swallow does not make spring
58. Out of sight out of mind - Out of sight, out of mind
59. Pigs to you!
60. - But screw you!