Lumpy Russian Pancakes －ボコボコしたロシアのパンケーキー

Recently I have been reading a book called, “Putin’s People,” about the rise to power of the Russian president. 

It is an interesting book.  But as well as the politics, I have enjoyed reading some Russian proverbs which occasionally appear.  Many of them are similar to English equivalents, while others are interestingly different.  Here are a few which I found in the book or online.

 

“The first pancake is lumpy”

It takes time to get things right.  Practice makes perfect.

 

“If you know too much, you get old very quickly.”

Sometimes it is better not to know.  Curiosity killed the cat.

 

“A word is not a sparrow.  Once it flies out, you won’t catch it.”

You can’t take back something once you have said it.  So be careful what you say.

 

“A wolf is fed by its legs.”

You have to work hard for success.  Laziness doesn’t pay.

 

“Even a hedgehog can understand.”

This is simple.  It is not rocket science.

 

“Don’t bring your own rules into someone else’s monastery.”

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

 

“Love is so cruel that you could fall in love with a goat.”

You could fall in love with anyone, even if they seem inappropriate.  Love is blind.

 

“If you are scared of wolves, don’t go into the forest.”

If you can’t handle the task, then don’t get involved.  If you can’t stand the heat, keep out of the kitchen.

 

“If you are going to call yourself a mushroom, then get in the basket.”

Stop talking about doing something and just do it.  Put your money where your mouth is.