Proverbs for Language Learning

Match the Russian proverbs in the left column with the English couplet translation in the right column that best captures their meaning.

A. A rich man acts from his own plan.
A poor one just does what he can.

B. Believe the ancient sage who said:
You can’t jump over your own head.

C. There’s much that’s useful in our land,
Some made by God and some by man.

D. If from wolves you’d keep away,
Into the forest do not stray.

E. If tempted by some rich man’s sleigh,
Don’t sneak inside; just turn away.

F. Because my hut’s so far from town,
I never know what’s going down.

G. If tending songbirds is your chore,
Don’t feed them fables; they want more.

H. If there’s a man whose back is strong,
A load will find it ‘ere too long.

I. If you claim you are a carrot, although things may get hot,
Remember that you said it and jump into the pot.

J. Observing folks, I’d have to say,
We all go nuts in our own way.

K. May your road be smooth and clear,
And may it take you far from here.

L. We’ve no regrets you’re off the bus,
In fact that leaves more room for us.

M. What grew this pearl? “Twas nothing but,
Some painful sand in oyster’s gut.”

N. Whatever works, we’ll try it,
Just so it keeps the baby quiet.

O. Work won’t run off like wolf or bear,
Tomorrow it will still be there.

P. While I was gone they sealed my fate,
I argued but they said: “Too late!”

1. Назвался груздем — полезай в кузов.

2. Баба с возу — кобыле легче.

3. Работа не волк — в лес не убежит.

4. Чем бы дитя не тешилось, лишь бы не плакало.

5. Без меня меня женили.

6. Не в свои сани не садись.

7. Волков бояться — в лес не ходить.

8. Не боги горшки обжигают.

9. Богатый как хочет, а бедный как может.

10. Соловья баснями не кормят.

11. Было бы счастье, да несчастье помогло.

12. Была бы шея, а хомут будет.

13. Всяк по-своему с ума уходит.

14. Выше головы не прыгнешь.

15. Моя хата с краю, я ничего не знаю.

16. Скатертью дорога.

Answers:

1I, 2L, 3O, 4N, 5P, 6E, 7D, 8C, 9A, 10G, 11M, 12H, 13J, 14B, 15F, 16K