List of Russian proverbs

Russian proverbs gained popularity in the West thanks to Ronald Reagan, who supposedly was a fan of Russian folklore. Russians have possibly thousands of proverbs. Below is a very short list of Russian proverbs with translation.

Бодливой корове Бог рог не дает

• Literally: God does not give horns to a cow that likes to butt

Moral: Overzealous people often don't have means to do what they would like to

Дареному коню в зубы не смотрят

• Literally: Don't look at the teeth of a horse that you got as a present

Moral: Appreciate what you have

Note: Looking at horse's teeth is one of the way to determine the age of a horse, and, therefore, its value.

Рыбак рыбака видит издалека

• Literally: A fisherman can tell another fisherman from afar

Moral: People of similar interests are attracted to each other

Язык до Киева доведет

• Literally: Your tongue can get you to Kiev

Moral: You can achieve almost anything by asking for help from others

Яйца курицу не учат

• Literally: Eggs cannot teach a hen.

Moral: Do not give advise to someone more experienced than you