English proverbs, sayings and idiomatic expressions of the English language and their analogues in Russian.
Saying in English
“A Heart of Gold! - Golden heart!" Proverb this phrasereflecting some phenomenon of life. Proverb this is a whole sentence, also reflecting 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 suitable in meaning and meaning. Idiom it is a stable phrase or phrase which cannot be broken into parts or words, since it carries meaning and meaning in the very form in which it is used. Stable (idiomatic) expressions are present in any language and bear the imprint of cultural and historical development 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. - The one who laughs last laughs well.
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 so terrible 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 medicine.
The exception proves the rule. - There are no rules without exception.
After dinner comes the reckoning. - Do you like to ride, love to carry sledges.
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 great swimming.
Tastes differ. - Tastes could not be discussed.
Wise men learn by other men "s mistakes, fools by their own. - Smart people learn from others' mistakes, 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 neighbors. - 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: It is difficult to start any business, then it will be easier.
Fortune favors the bold. - Cheek brings success.
Practice makes perfect. - The master's work is afraid.
Necessity is the mother of invention. - Need for invention is cunning.
Praise makes good men better and bad men worse. - From praise good people get better and the bad get worse.
Appetite comes with eating. - Appetite comes with eating.
Curses like the chickens came back home. - Don't dig a hole for another, you yourself will fall into it.
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 travels 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.
- A frightened crow is afraid of a bush.
- If you burn yourself in milk, you will blow on the water.
The early bird catches the worm.
- Who gets up early, luck awaits.
- Whoever gets up early, God gives him.
- The early bird clears the sock, the late one rubs the eyes.
Proverbs and sayings requiring clarification.
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.
Proverbs and sayings have become so firmly established in our life that they practically “disappeared” into it. And now we weave apt phrases into speech, rarely thinking about their wording. Because a proverb is a ready-made “formula” of thought, with deep meaning and a refined form. These are the English proverbs and sayings. For centuries of history, they have achieved the perfect accuracy of every thought expressed. Especially when you take into account the peculiar view of the world. Therefore, now we have English proverbs for any situation and area of \u200b\u200blife: whether it be friendship, family, work and other important circumstances.
IN english language there are even proverbs about English! And this, in general, is not surprising, since it concerns such an important and voluminous sphere of life. And so in every language, in every culture, proverbs reflect the accumulated invaluable experience of generations. Therefore, you can almost always find the equivalent of proverbs on different languages... In this article, we will definitely consider not only the best proverbs about friendship, about family, about life and discuss their meaning, but also find an English analogue of a proverb that is familiar in Russian.
Proverbs in English with translation into Russian
If so, then immediately and start with familiar plots. More precisely, not so: let's start by looking for familiar plots and ideas among English proverbs. To do this, we were looking for such proverbs in English, which have direct Russian counterparts. 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 in gloves won't catch mice |
You cannot easily get fish out of the pond. |
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link |
The chain is as strong as its weakest link |
Where it is thin, there 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 real friend. |
A friend in need is a friend indeed. |
A good beginning makes a good ending |
A good start ensures a good end |
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 road will be mastered by the walking |
A leopard cannot change its spots |
The 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 is good |
Everything is possible, just be careful. |
A new broom sweeps clean |
The new broom sweeps clean. |
The new broom sweeps in a new way. |
It's funny to see how similar thoughts are embodied in different languages \u200b\u200bin those realities that are understandable to a particular people. For example, where Russian wisdom mentions a “black dog”, there the English analogue 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 the transmission folk wisdom, reflection cultural achievements and other abstract formulations that we see so often in textbooks. In fact, you can find much more useful real-life uses for 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 language. This means that you can not only express a certain thought, but also play it creatively. There are several benefits of knowing proverbs and sayings:
- the development of conversational speech 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.
Original English proverbs
Despite the similar meaning of many proverbs, there are completely original sayings, the analogue of which cannot be found in another language. This is all the more interesting and helps in learning 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, this is about being careful when you need to do something wrong, and at least not harming yourself or others. This proverb has no 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: a sincere desire and enthusiasm can achieve more than completing a task without interest and desire.
- Suffering for a friend doubleth friendship (Suffering for a friend doubles friendship). Note that this is not about helping out a friend or staying friends despite any problems. Namely, to empathize, sympathize with a friend and even experience his grief as your own.
- Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself (Don't start a dog if you bark yourself). Apparently, the proverb speaks of the importance of delegating authority, in other words, it is not necessary to fulfill other people's duties (for example, your subordinates).
- Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery (Imitation is the most sincere flattery.) There is even nothing to add here, this remark is so well-aimed and eloquent.
- It’s better to light a candle than curse the darkness (Better to light a candle than 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 (Money speaks for itself). That is, money is 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 at once, the meaning of which fits in this one laconic statement. If you know other expressive English proverbs - we will be very glad to see them in the comments!
Proverbs and sayings in English for younger students
English proverbs and sayings
English proverbs and sayings and their Russian counterparts corresponding to them in meaning
English proverbs and sayings:
1. A bad corn promise is better than a good lawsuit.
2. A bargain is a bargain.
3. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
4. A bird may be known by its song.
5. A burden of one "s own choice is not felt.
6. A burnt child dreads the fire.
7. A cat in gloves catches no mice.
8. A drop in the bucket.
9. A fault confessed is half redressed.
10. A fly in the ointment.
11.A friend in need is a friend indeed.
12. A great ship asks deep waters.
13. A little body often harbors a great soul.
14. A man can do no more than he can.
15. A man is known by the company he keeps.
16. A new broom sweeps clean.
17.A silent fool is counted wise.
18. A sound mind in a sound body.
19. A thief knows a thief as a wolf knows a wolf.
20. A word spoken is past recalling.
21. After dinner comes the reckoning.
22. All that glitters is not gold.
23. All cats are gray in the dark.
24. All is well that ends well.
25. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king.
26. An evil chance seldom comes alone.
27. An hour in the morning is worth two in the evening.
28. An ox is taken by the horns, and a man by the tongue.
29. Appetite comes with eating.
30. As like as two peas.
31. As the call, so the echo.
32. As the fool thinks, so the bell clinks.
33. As well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.
34. As you sow, so shall you reap.
35. Before you make a friend eat a bushel of salt with him.
36. Better a lean peace than a fat victory.
37. Better be born lucky than rich.
38. Better late than never.
39. Between the cup and the lip a morsel may slip.
40. Beware of a silent dog and still water.
41. Business before pleasure.
42. Catch the bear before you sell his skin.
43. Circumstances alter cases.
44. Company in distress makes trouble less.
45. Cross the stream where it is shallowest.
46. \u200b\u200bCurses like chickens come home to roost.
47. Death when it comes will have no denial.
48. Diligence is the mother of success.
49. Do as you would be done by.
50. Dog does not eat dog.
51. Dogs that put up many hares kill none.
52. Don "t count your chickens before they are hatched.
53. Don "t look a gift horse in the mouth.
54. Don "t trouble trouble until trouble troubles you.
55. Drunkenness reveals what soberness conceals.
56. East or West - home is best.
57. Every bird likes its own nest.
58. Every dark cloud has a silver lining.
59. Every day is not Sunday.
60. Every man to his taste.
61. Everybody "s business is nobody" s business.
62. Everything is good in its season.
63. Evil communications corrupt good manners.
64. Fine words butter no parsnips.
65. Fish begins to stink at the head.
66. Fool "s haste is no speed.
67. Fools never know when they are well.
68. Forbidden fruit is sweet.
69. Give a fool rope enough, and he will hang himself.
70. Good clothes open all doors.
71. Grasp all, lose all.
72. Habit cures habit.
73. He is lifeless that is faultless.
Russian equivalent of English proverbs and sayings
1. A thin world is better than a good quarrel.
2. An agreement is more valuable than money.
3. Better a tit in the hands than a pie in the sky.
4. The bird is visible in flight.
5. Your burden does not carry.
6. Having burnt yourself in milk, you will blow on the water.
7. You can't get fish out of the pond without difficulty.
8. A drop in the ocean.
9. The sword does not cut the guilty head.
10. A fly in the ointment in a barrel of honey.
11. Friends are known in trouble.
12. Big ship - big voyage.
13. The spool is small, but expensive.
14. You can't jump above your head.
15. Tell me who your friend is and I will tell you who you are.
16. The new broom sweeps well.
17. Keep quiet - you will pass for a smart one.
18. A healthy mind in a healthy body.
19. The fisherman sees the fisherman from afar.
20. The word is not a sparrow; if it flies out, you won't catch it.
21. Do you like to ride, love to carry sledges.
22. All that glitters is not gold.
23. At night all cats are gray.
24. All is well that ends well.
25. Fish without fish and cancer.
26. Trouble has come, open the gate.
27. The morning is wiser than the evening.
28. My tongue is my enemy.
29. Appetite comes with eating.
30. Like two drops of water.
31. As will backfire, so will respond.
32. The law is not written to fools.
33. Seven troubles - one answer.
34. You reap what you sow.
35. You recognize a person when you eat a pound of salt with him.
36. A bad world is better than a good quarrel.
37. Do not be born beautiful, but be born happy.
38. Better late than never.
39. Don't say "gop" until you've jumped over.
40. There are devils in the still waters.
41. Business time, fun hour.
42. Without killing the bear, do not sell the skins.
43. Do not think ahead.
44. Death is red in the world.
45. Not knowing the ford, do not poke your nose into the water.
46. \u200b\u200bDo not dig another hole, you yourself will fall into it.
47. Death cannot be bought off.
48. Patience and work will grind everything.
49. What you don’t want, don’t do that to another.
50. A raven will not peck out a raven's eyes.
51. You will chase two hares, you won't catch a single one.
52. Chickens are counted in autumn.
53. They don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
54. Do not wake up smartly while it is quiet.
55. What's on the mind of a sober is on the tongue of a drunkard.
56. Away is good, but home is better.
57. Every sandpiper praises his swamp.
58. There is a silver lining.
59. Not all carnival for the cat.
60. For taste, for color - no friend.
61. Seven nannies have a child without an eye.
62. Everything has its time.
Proverbs and sayings are a reflection of popular thought, attitudes, moral values. They usually have analogs in other languages, since they reproduce "simple truths" inherent in every person of every nation. A proverb may have other images, but it 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 hardest reflect differences in mentality, therefore, are of particular interest to us.
By the way, today we 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 you 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 you plan do something immoral, make sure no one knows 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 a Latin proverb “Si non caste, tamen caute” (if not chastely, then at least carefully).
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 enthusiasm, etc. This proverb originated at the beginning of the 18th century.
At the time, the Royal Navy had a group of sailors armed with clubs, whose goal was to "gather" sailors into the fleet. They could do this by talking about the unprecedented advantages of service, or simply by force (they were armed with clubs for a reason).
This set of circumstances did not make the coerced one a good sailor. From here this inference "flowed out".
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 doubleth friendship.
Literal translation:Suffering for a friend doubles the 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 speaks of not turning away from a friend and helping him in difficult situation, then it is here to suffer with him, thereby strengthening friendship.
Another interesting English proverb about friendship 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 labor never ends.
Well, English proverbs have taken care of our difficult female share 🙂 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 (as opposed to men's) last endlessly... This can be seen 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. "
(“Women's labor never ends!” Leila 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 return home, I have to help them with homework ".)
5. Comparisons are odious / odorous.
Literal translation: The comparisons are disgusting / stinking.
People should be judged according to their own merits, there is no need for anyone or anything to compare with each other.
The proverb has two options 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 controversy among linguists. Some believe that the proverb originated in America in the 19th century, others - that in medieval England.
By the way, the proverb is used in the title of the song by the Australian rock band AC / DC.
7. Don’t keep a dog and bark yourself.
Literal translation: Do not hold your dog if you bark yourself.
Meaning of this English proverb: don't work for your subordinate... The saying is very ancient: the first mention was recorded back in 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 a proverb as an equivalent:
For that the dog is fed, that it 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 (it 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, it also has a longer history.
9. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Literal translation: Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.
The meaning of the proverb is direct. This formulation dates back to the early 19th century. But the idea itself is even more ancient and was found in the 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:Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
The question of the analogue is again controversial: 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 that. The meaning of the Russian proverb: it's better to do than to regret not doing. The meaning of English is better to fix things than complain about him... 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 Forest 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 ”(handsome is the one who acts beautifully), already having an analogue in Russian: “ He is not good who is good-looking, but he is good who is good for the cause. "
12. You can’t make bricks without straw
Literal translation: You can't make a brick without straw.
Again, some sources indicate the Russian as an analogue “ you cannot easily pull a fish out of the pond "... Moreover, the English proverb does not speak of hard work, but about the impossibility of completing 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 create a website if you don't know HTML: you can't make bricks without straw.)
According to Wikipedia, the expression originates from a biblical story, when Pharaoh, as punishment, forbids giving the Israelites straw, but orders them to make the same number of bricks as before.
Where to find proverbs and sayings in English by topic?
Perhaps these are not all statements that have no Russian counterparts, because there are a lot of English proverbs (and their meanings). By the way, you can easily search for them yourself in ours to saturate your English speech with wonderful expressions. Good luck! 🙂
Hello everyone! Proverbs are the oldest genre of folklore. Every nation has them, even the most ancient - 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.
ProverbsDue to their emotionality and imagery, 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 can you overcome translation difficulties?
For example, the proverb “ a fool and his money are soon parted "Is not clear to Russian speakers. Even after learning her translation " a fool and his money are often shared »Its meaning and use cases remain a mystery to us. And it means something like the following - a stupid person spending money recklessly or too quickly. Then everything falls into place. But it is better to find equivalents in both languages, the meaning of which you will have no doubt about.
Since our native language - Russian, then it is easier for us to apply the statement that is familiar to us from childhood. However, as we found out, literal translation sometimes distorts not only the form, but also the meaning of what is said. Therefore, if you want to figuratively express your thought in English, then I recommend that you use the equivalents of Russian proverbs in English, which you can find in this article.
I have compared a large number of Russian and English proverbs in meaning and lexical composition. Thus, I have identified two groups:
Equivalent in usage, lexical composition and meaning - these are proverbs that, with an accurate translation, do not lose their meaning, are used in both languages \u200b\u200bin the same case:
Easier said than done
Be easier said than doneOne head it's good, but two better
Two heads are better than oneBetter late than never
Bettag late than neverThe one who laughs last laughs well
Not who laughs last laughs longestThe spirit is strong, but the flesh is weak
The spirit is willing but the flesh is weakStrike while the iron is hot
Strike while the iron is hot
However, most English folk utterances are radically different in lexical composition.
Equivalents in meaning and use 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
(Bad start leads to bad end)A thin world is better than a good quarrel
A bad compromise is better than a good lawsuit
(Bad compromise is better than good litigation)Who gets up early, God gives
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)He who does not plan his victory is planning someone else's
Failing to plan is planning to fail
(Not planning is planning to lose)Trust in God, but don't do it 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 spoken language are shortened. This shape is called the default technique. For example, we do not fully pronounce the expression when we want to say that we will have to do something in order to get what we want: "Without difficulty ..." or "Under a lying stone ...", and then it is clear what the interlocutor wants to say, and no the need to end the phrase.
In English, the entire expression is also not pronounced if it is too long. With the help of a default shape, 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 gold" is also an abbreviated form. In its full version in English, this phrase looks like this: “ Speech is silver; silence is golden ».
However, this option is good only if both interlocutors are fluent in the language and know the folklore of the people in whose language they communicate. That is, to understand the abbreviated version, you need to know this expression completely. Therefore, when applying the abbreviation, make sure that the interlocutor understood you correctly, and did not think of anything for himself.
Thanks for attention. I wish you a cool mood and a good day! Until!