Хорошенького понемножку
Meaning: too much of a good thing is good for nothing; lit. good things in moderation
Many Russians remember this phrase from childhood: it was usually used to imply that you’ve already had some sweets or watched some cartoons today, so you’ll get no more for the night. And yes, “everything in moderation” doesn’t sound as toxic, especially when we’re talking about sweets; but as adults, we often hear it said about life events – as in “well, too much good has happened to me lately, so, of course something bad is around the corner.”
This mentality benefits no one because it tends to make you afraid of the good things in your life. What can we say instead? Хорошенького столько, сколько нужно – (let’s have) as much of a good thing as we need.
Любишь кататься, люби и саночки возить
Meaning: after the feast comes the reckoning; lit. if you love riding the sleigh, be ready to carry it
This is perhaps the one proverb that has already got its detoxified rebrand – one you'll find on everything from mugs to T-shirts, proclaiming: любишь кататься – люби и катайся; meaning that if you love riding the sleigh, you should enjoy riding it! Yes, sure, it’s good to remember that we have to work, apart from doing the things we enjoy, but in today’s hustle culture, we hardly need this reminder. What we need instead is a saying that tells us it’s absolutely okay to enjoy ourselves and to spend time doing the things we love.
Лучше синица в руке, чем журавль в небе
Meaning: a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; lit. better a tomtit in your hand than a crane in the sky
And here is the case of a proverb in direct juxtaposition to the mantras we hear today. What it preaches is: stick to the thing you already have, it’s better than risking it all for a chance that may not pan out. These days, we believe you should never give up on your dreams – because who else would follow them if not you?
However, let’s also give this proverb some credit where it’s due – sometimes, it’s good to be cautious when setting off on a new venture; not to abandon it entirely, but to make sure what you’re following is truly your dream, something that you really want.
На обиженных воду возят
Meaning: hurt people get the short end; lit. hurt/offended people carry the water
The origins of this proverb are mysterious – some believe it’s about the water bearers that used to deliver fresh water to houses in the 18th century; others say it’s not about people, but horses, and originally the phrase used to mean “sturdy horses carry the water.” However, growing up, most of us would hear it with the implication that our dissatisfaction (maybe over that extra sweet we didn’t get) isn’t worth the bother. What a blunt disregard for our feelings, right?
Having internalized that taking offense and speaking up about your feelings is “bad,” many of us, including yours truly, even now find it quite hard to do, all for fear of “carrying the water.” Common sense, however, tells us that this isn’t quite the way to solve a problem – and it’s far better to voice your concerns and deal with them in the open.
Старый друг лучше новых двух
Meaning: lit. an old friend is better than two new ones
While we wouldn’t debate the value of long-lasting friendships, we would argue that in the era of the loneliness epidemic, isolation should hardly be encouraged. Yes, you may not be just as confident in a new friend as in someone you’ve known for years, but that’s hardly grounds to disregard the new connections completely, only focusing on the ones you’ve nurtured. Let’s embrace the chance to connect to our fellow humans, old friends or new ones!
Are there any good Russian proverbs, you might ask? Yes, quite a few! Check out some of our favorites with the dedicated tag.
