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THE INKLINGO LANGUAGE GUIDES

90 Russian Idioms and Proverbs

Learn Russian idioms through the picture behind each expression, its real meaning and an example you could use in conversation. The essential list gets you started; proverbs have their own section because they express a complete piece of advice.

90 entries · Updated

An open storybook beside a small cup and a leafy branch, a welcoming reading scene

Essential 20

  1. Брать себя́ в ру́киPull yourself together
  2. Бить баклу́шиIdle away your time
  3. Води́ть за́ носLead someone on
  4. Ве́шать лапшу́ на́ ушиFeed someone a load of lies
  5. Де́лать из му́хи слона́Make a mountain out of a molehill
  6. Как две ка́пли воды́As alike as two peas in a pod
  7. Ни пу́ха ни пера́Good luck
  8. В пух и прахUtter defeat or destruction
  9. Руко́й пода́тьA stone’s throw away
  10. Кот напла́калHardly any
  11. Бе́лая воро́наThe odd one out
  12. Тёмная лоша́дкаAn unknown quantity
  13. Стре́ляный воробе́йAn old hand
  14. Тёртый кала́чA seasoned operator
  15. Душа́ компа́нииThe life of the party
  16. Золоты́е ру́киA real gift for making or fixing things
  17. Семи́ пя́дей во лбу́Exceptionally clever
  18. Мо́края ку́рицаA timid, ineffectual person
  19. Соба́ка на се́неA dog in the manger
  20. Волк в ове́чьей шку́реSomeone dangerous who seems harmless

Essential everyday Russian idioms

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A person calmly holding a tangled ball of thread
1

Брать себя́ в ру́ки

Bratʹ sebjá v rúki

Pull yourself together

Literally: To take oneself into one’s hands

Closest English expression: Pull yourself together

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Пора́ брать себя́ в ру́ки и .
Porá bratʹ sebjá v rúki i načinátʹ.It is time to pull ourselves together and start.
A worried person holding their own two hands firmly together and taking a steady breath, becoming composedSource note
2

Бить баклу́ши

Bitʹ baklúši

Idle away your time

Literally: To beat wooden blanks

Closest English expression: Idle away your time

Conversational; mildly critical · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Хва́тит бить баклу́ши, пора́ рабо́тать.
Khvátit bitʹ baklúši, porá rabótatʹ.Stop idling; it is time to work.
A relaxed craft worker leaning back beside unfinished wooden spoon blanks, tools idle on the benchSource note
3

Води́ть за́ нос

Vodítʹ zá nos

Lead someone on

Literally: To lead by the nose

Closest English expression: Lead someone on

Conversational; critical · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он ме́сяц води́л нас за́ нос.
On mésjac vodíl nas zá nos.He led us on for a month.
A performer displaying two cups and a pebble during a trickSource note
4

лапшу́ на́ уши

Véšatʹ lapšú ná uši

Feed someone a load of lies

Literally: To hang noodles on ears

Closest English expression: Feed someone a load of lies

Informal; accusatory · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не ве́шай мне лапшу́ на́ уши.
Ne véšaj mne lapšú ná uši.Do not feed me that nonsense.
A puzzled listener with strands of cooked noodles draped loosely over both ears, a clear literal jokeSource note
5

Де́лать из слона́

Délatʹ iz múkhi sloná

Make a mountain out of a molehill

Literally: To make an elephant out of a fly

Closest English expression: Make a mountain out of a molehill

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не де́лай из му́хи слона́: оши́бку легко́ испра́вить.
Ne délaj iz múkhi sloná: ošíbku legkó isprávitʹ.Do not blow it out of proportion: the mistake is easy to fix.
A tiny housefly casting the oversized silhouette of an elephant, exaggeration made visibleSource note
6

Как

Kak dve kápli vodý

As alike as two peas in a pod

Literally: Like two drops of water

Closest English expression: As alike as two peas in a pod

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Сёстры похо́жи как ка́пли воды́.
Sëstry pokhóži kak dve kápli vodý.The sisters look as alike as two peas in a pod.
Two identical clear water droplets side by side on a small green leafSource note
7

Ни пу́ха ни пера́

Ni púkha ni perá

Good luck

Literally: Neither down nor feather

Closest English expression: Good luck

Informal good-luck formula; conventional reply к чёрту · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

экза́мен? Ни пу́ха ни пера́!
Závtra èkzámen? Ni púkha ni perá!Your exam is tomorrow? Good luck!
A small feather and a tuft of down beside a traveler setting off, a good-luck farewell scene without written symbolsSource note
8

В пух и прах

V pukh i prakh

Utter defeat or destruction

Literally: Down and dust

Closest English expression: Utter defeat or destruction

Conversational; commonly в пух и прах · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

На́шу иде́ю раскритикова́ли в пух и прах.
Nášu idéju raskritikováli v pukh i prakh.Our idea was torn to shreds.
A burst feather pillow scattering down and dust.Source note
9

Руко́й пода́ть

Rukój podátʹ

A stone’s throw away

Literally: Within a hand’s reach

Closest English expression: A stone’s throw away

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

От до́ма до па́рка руко́й пода́ть.
Ot dóma do párka rukój podátʹ.The park is a stone’s throw from home.
A hand reaching easily from a small house toward a nearby leafy treeSource note
10

Кот напла́кал

Kot naplákal

Hardly any

Literally: A cat has cried

Closest English expression: Hardly any

Informal · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Де́нег оста́лось кот напла́кал.
Déneg ostálosʹ kot naplákal.There is hardly any money left.
A small cat with one tiny tear falling into an almost empty bowl, showing a very small quantitySource note

Explore these words: Numbers (flashcards) · Animals (flashcards) · Quantities & measurements (flashcards)

Put these words into context with a story at your level.

Read Russian stories

Russian idioms about people

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A white crow standing among dark crows
11

воро́на

Bélaja voróna

The odd one out

Literally: A white crow

Closest English expression: The odd one out

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

В но́вой шко́ле он чу́вствовал себя́ бе́лой воро́ной.
V nóvoj škóle on čúvstvoval sebjá béloj vorónoj.At the new school he felt like the odd one out.
One clearly white crow standing among three dark crows, all friendly and anatomically recognizableSource note
12

лоша́дка

Tëmnaja lošádka

An unknown quantity

Literally: A dark horse

Closest English expression: An unknown quantity

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Но́вый кандида́т пока́ тёмная лоша́дка.
Nóvyj kandidát poká tëmnaja lošádka.The new candidate is still an unknown quantity.
A dark-coated horse peeking from behind a partly open stable door, its abilities still a mysterySource note
13

Стре́ляный воробе́й

Stréljanyj vorobéj

An old hand

Literally: A sparrow that has been shot at

Closest English expression: An old hand

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Его́ не обману́ть: он стре́ляный воробе́й.
Egó ne obmanútʹ: on stréljanyj vorobéj.You cannot fool him: he is an old hand.
An alert sparrow calmly perched beside a harmless old bent arrow on the ground, experienced and watchful, no woundSource note
14

Тёртый кала́ч

Tërtyj kaláč

A seasoned operator

Literally: A well-kneaded kalach loaf

Closest English expression: A seasoned operator

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Она́ в э́том тёртый кала́ч.
Oná v è́tom déle tërtyj kaláč.She is a seasoned operator in this business.
A baker’s hands kneading a traditional looped kalach loaf dough, the loaf visibly well workedSource note
15

Душа́ компа́нии

Dušá kompánii

The life of the party

Literally: The soul of the company

Closest English expression: The life of the party

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Мой брат — душа́ компа́нии.
Moj brat — dušá kompánii.My brother is the life of the party.
A cheerful person at the center of a small friendly gathering, everyone drawn into the conversationSource note
16

ру́ки

Zolotýe rúki

A real gift for making or fixing things

Literally: Golden hands

Closest English expression: A real gift for making or fixing things

Approving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

У золоты́е ру́ки: он почини́л .
U déduški zolotýe rúki: on počiníl časý.Grandpa can fix anything: he repaired the clock.
A pair of gently golden hands repairing a small wooden clock with skillSource note
17

Семи́ пя́дей во

Semí pjádej vo lbú

Exceptionally clever

Literally: Seven spans across the forehead

Closest English expression: Exceptionally clever

Conversational; often in a negative construction · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не ну́жно быть семи́ пя́дей во лбу́, что́бы э́то .
Ne núžno bytʹ semí pjádej vo lbú, čtóby è́to ponjátʹ.You do not need to be a genius to understand this.
A thoughtful storybook figure with an exaggerated tall forehead, seven small hand-span shapes floating above it, no numeralsSource note
18

Мо́края ку́рица

Mókraja kúrica

A timid, ineffectual person

Literally: A wet hen

Closest English expression: A timid, ineffectual person

Informal; insulting when used of character · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он всего́ , сло́вно мо́края ку́рица.
On vsegó boítsja, slóvno mókraja kúrica.He is afraid of everything, like a timid little mouse.
A timid wet hen with rain-damp feathers huddling under a small leafSource note
19

Соба́ка на се́не

Sobáka na séne

A dog in the manger

Literally: A dog on the hay

Closest English expression: A dog in the manger

Disapproving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он сам не игра́ет и мяч не даёт — соба́ка на се́не.
On sam ne igráet i mjač ne daët — sobáka na séne.He will not play or lend the ball: a dog in the manger.
A dog sitting possessively on a pile of hay while a patient cow waits nearbySource note
20

Волк в ове́чьей шку́ре

Volk v ovéčʹej škúre

Someone dangerous who seems harmless

Literally: A wolf in sheep’s clothing

Closest English expression: Someone dangerous who seems harmless

Disapproving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Э́тот моше́нник — волк в ове́чьей шку́ре.
È́tot mošénnik — volk v ovéčʹej škúre.That swindler is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
A clearly recognizable friendly wolf wearing a loose sheep-fleece costume, its wolf ears and snout still visibleSource note

Explore these words: Colors (flashcards) · Family & relationships (flashcards) · Time & dates (flashcards)

Put these words into context with a story at your level.

Read Russian stories

Russian idioms about feelings

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A person with a small weight lifting from their shoulders
21

Душа́ в пя́тки ушла́

Dušá v pjátki ušlá

Be scared stiff

Literally: The soul went into the heels

Closest English expression: Be scared stiff

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

От гро́хота у меня́ душа́ в пя́тки ушла́.
Ot grókhota u menjá dušá v pjátki ušlá.That crash scared me stiff.
Source note
22

Ка́мень с души́

Kámenʹ s duší

A weight off your mind

Literally: A stone off the soul

Closest English expression: A weight off your mind

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Она́ позвони́ла, и у меня́ ка́мень с души́ сва́лился.
Oná pozvoníla, i u menjá kámenʹ s duší sválilsja.She called, and a weight lifted from my mind.
Source note
23

Быть на седьмо́м не́бе

Bytʹ na sedʹmóm nébe

Be over the moon

Literally: To be in the seventh heaven

Closest English expression: Be over the moon

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

По́сле по́беды он был на седьмо́м не́бе.
Pósle póbedy on byl na sedʹmóm nébe.After the win he was over the moon.
Source note
24

Рвать на себе́

Rvatʹ na sebé vólosy

Be beside yourself with regret

Literally: To tear out one’s hair

Closest English expression: Be beside yourself with regret

Expressive · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

По́здно рвать на себе́ ; де́йствовать.
Pózdno rvatʹ na sebé vólosy; nádo déjstvovatʹ.It is too late to tear your hair out; we need to act.
Source note
25

Выходи́ть из себя́

Vykhodítʹ iz sebjá

Lose your temper

Literally: To go out of oneself

Closest English expression: Lose your temper

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Она́ выхо́дит из себя́.
Oná rédko vykhódit iz sebjá.She rarely loses her temper.
Source note
26

нос

Véšatʹ nos

Lose heart

Literally: To hang one’s nose

Closest English expression: Lose heart

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не ве́шай нос: всё полу́чится.
Ne véšaj nos: eščë vsë polúčitsja.Do not lose heart: things can still work out.
Source note
27

Не в свое́й таре́лке

Ne v svoéj tarélke

Ill at ease

Literally: Not in one’s own plate

Closest English expression: Ill at ease

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

На пе́рвой встре́че я был не в свое́й таре́лке.
Na pérvoj vstréče ja byl ne v svoéj tarélke.At the first meeting I felt ill at ease.
Source note
28

Ко́шки скребу́т на душе́

Kóški skrebút na dušé

Feel troubled or miserable inside

Literally: Cats scratch at the soul

Closest English expression: Feel troubled or miserable inside

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Вро́де всё хорошо́, а ко́шки скребу́т на душе́.
Vróde vsë khorošó, a kóški skrebút na dušé.Everything seems fine, but I feel troubled inside.
Source note
29

Как с плеч

Kak gorá s pleč

A huge relief

Literally: Like a mountain off the shoulders

Closest English expression: A huge relief

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Сдал после́дний экза́мен — гора́ с плеч.
Sdal poslédnij èkzámen — kak gorá s pleč.I passed the last exam: what a huge relief.
Source note
30

Не себе́ ме́ста

Ne nakhodítʹ sebé mésta

Be unable to settle from worry

Literally: To find no place for oneself

Closest English expression: Be unable to settle from worry

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Пока́ жда́ли новосте́й, мы не находи́ли себе́ ме́ста.
Poká ždáli novostéj, my ne nakhodíli sebé mésta.While we waited for news, we could not settle.
Source note

Explore these words: Body parts (flashcards) · Appearance · Time & dates (flashcards)

Put these words into context with a story at your level.

Read Russian stories

Russian idioms about speech and secrets

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A closed small wooden box with a loose ribbon
31

язы́к за зуба́ми

Deržátʹ jazýk za zubámi

Keep your mouth shut

Literally: To keep the tongue behind the teeth

Closest English expression: Keep your mouth shut

Informal; direct · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Об э́том никому́: язы́к за зуба́ми.
Ob è́tom nikomú: derží jazýk za zubámi.Tell nobody about this: keep your mouth shut.
Source note
32

Прикуси́ть язы́к

Prikusítʹ jazýk

Stop yourself from saying more

Literally: To bite the tongue

Closest English expression: Stop yourself from saying more

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я хоте́л , но прикуси́л язы́к.
Ja khotél posporítʹ, no prikusíl jazýk.I wanted to argue, but bit my tongue.
Source note
33

Язы́к без косте́й

Jazýk bez kostéj

A tongue that never stops

Literally: A tongue without bones

Closest English expression: A tongue that never stops

Informal; often critical · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

У него́ язы́к без косте́й: мо́жет говори́ть часа́ми.
U negó jazýk bez kostéj: móžet govorítʹ časámi.He can talk for hours without stopping.
Source note
34

Сло́во за́ слово

Slóvo zá slovo

One thing led to another in conversation

Literally: Word after word

Closest English expression: One thing led to another in conversation

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Сло́во за́ слово, и мы договори́лись.
Slóvo zá slovo, i my dogovorílisʹ.One thing led to another and we reached an agreement.
Source note
35

Броса́ть слова́ на

Brosátʹ slová na véter

Make empty promises

Literally: To throw words to the wind

Closest English expression: Make empty promises

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Она́ не броса́ет слов на ве́тер.
Oná ne brosáet slov na véter.She does not make empty promises.
Source note
36

Из пу́стого в поро́жнее

Iz pústogo v poróžnee

Pointless repetition

Literally: From empty into empty

Closest English expression: Pointless repetition

Conversational; commonly with переливать · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Хва́тит перелива́ть из пу́стого в поро́жнее.
Khvátit perelivátʹ iz pústogo v poróžnee.Stop going round in circles.
Source note
37

Не в бровь, а в

Ne v brovʹ, a v glaz

Right on target

Literally: Not in the eyebrow but in the eye

Closest English expression: Right on target

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Её замеча́ние — не в бровь, а в глаз.
Eë zamečánie — ne v brovʹ, a v glaz.Her observation was right on target.
Source note
38

Загова́ривать

Zagovárivatʹ zúby

Distract someone with chatter

Literally: To talk someone’s teeth away

Closest English expression: Distract someone with chatter

Informal; critical · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не загова́ривай мне зу́бы, отвеча́й на .
Ne zagovárivaj mne zúby, otvečáj na voprós.Stop distracting me and answer the question.
Source note
39

Моло́ть языко́м

Molótʹ jazykóm

Talk idly

Literally: To grind with one’s tongue

Closest English expression: Talk idly

Informal; disapproving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он ме́лет языко́м, а де́ла стоя́т.
On tólʹko mélet jazykóm, a déla stoját.He just talks, while nothing gets done.
Source note
40

Заруби́ть на носу́

Zarubítʹ na nosú

Remember once and for all

Literally: To cut a notch on the nose

Closest English expression: Remember once and for all

Informal; stern · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Заруби́ себе́ на носу́: опа́здывать нельзя́.
Zarubí sebé na nosú: opázdyvatʹ nelʹzjá.Get this into your head: you must not be late.
Source note

Explore these words: Body parts (flashcards) · Opinions & agreeing · Weather (flashcards)

Put these words into context with a story at your level.

Read Russian stories

Russian idioms about work and effort

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

Rolled-up sleeves beside a simple workbench
41

Засучи́в

Zasučív rukavá

With determined effort

Literally: With sleeves rolled up

Closest English expression: With determined effort

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Мы рабо́тали засучи́в .
My rabótali zasučív rukavá.We worked with our sleeves rolled up.
Source note
42

Спустя́

Spustjá rukavá

Half-heartedly or carelessly

Literally: With sleeves hanging down

Closest English expression: Half-heartedly or carelessly

Disapproving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

де́лать э́ту спустя́ рукава́.
Nelʹzjá délatʹ è́tu rabótu spustjá rukavá.You cannot do this job carelessly.
Source note
43

В по́те

V póte licá

By the sweat of your brow

Literally: In the sweat of the face

Closest English expression: By the sweat of your brow

Literary or expressive · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Они́ труди́лись в по́те лица́.
Oní trudílisʹ v póte licá.They worked by the sweat of their brows.
Source note
44

Сиде́ть сложа́ ру́ки

Sidétʹ složá rúki

Sit back and do nothing

Literally: To sit with folded hands

Closest English expression: Sit back and do nothing

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Мы не мо́жем сиде́ть сложа́ ру́ки.
My ne móžem sidétʹ složá rúki.We cannot sit back and do nothing.
Source note
45

Лома́ть го́лову

Lomátʹ gólovu

Rack your brains

Literally: To break the head

Closest English expression: Rack your brains

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я весь лома́ю го́лову над зада́чей.
Ja vesʹ denʹ lomáju gólovu nad zadáčej.I have been racking my brains over the problem all day.
Source note
46

Наби́ть ру́ку

Nabítʹ rúku

Get the knack

Literally: To train up the hand

Closest English expression: Get the knack

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

С пра́ктикой ты набьёшь ру́ку.
S práktikoj ty nabʹëšʹ rúku.With practice you will get the knack.
Source note
47

соба́ку

Sʺestʹ sobáku

Know a field inside out

Literally: To eat a dog

Closest English expression: Know a field inside out

Informal; expertise · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Она́ на перево́дах соба́ку съе́ла.
Oná na perevódakh sobáku sʺéla.She knows translation inside out.
Source note
48

Вставля́ть па́лки в колёса

Vstavljátʹ pálki v kolësa

Put obstacles in someone’s way

Literally: To put sticks into wheels

Closest English expression: Put obstacles in someone’s way

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не вставля́йте нам па́лки в колёса.
Ne vstavljájte nam pálki v kolësa.Do not put obstacles in our way.
Source note
49

Второ́е дыха́ние

Vtoróe dykhánie

A second wind

Literally: A second breath

Closest English expression: A second wind

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

По́сле переры́ва у меня́ откры́лось второ́е дыха́ние.
Pósle pererýva u menjá otkrýlosʹ vtoróe dykhánie.After the break I got a second wind.
Source note
50

Брать быка́ за рога́

Bratʹ byká za rogá

Tackle a problem directly

Literally: To take the bull by the horns

Closest English expression: Tackle a problem directly

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Пора́ брать быка́ за рога́ и звони́ть.
Porá bratʹ byká za rogá i zvonítʹ.It is time to tackle this and make the call.
Source note

Explore these words: Clothes (flashcards) · Jobs & work (flashcards) · Body parts (flashcards)

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Russian idioms about money and time

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A belt beside a small purse and an hourglass
51

Затяну́ть по́яс

Zatjanútʹ pójas

Cut back on spending

Literally: To tighten the belt

Closest English expression: Cut back on spending

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

В э́том ме́сяце придётся затяну́ть по́яс.
V è́tom mésjace pridëtsja zatjanútʹ pójas.This month we will have to tighten our belts.
Source note
52

В долга́х как в шелка́х

V dolgákh kak v šelkákh

Up to your ears in debt

Literally: In debts as if in silks

Closest English expression: Up to your ears in debt

Conversational; ironic · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он в долга́х как в шелка́х.
On v dolgákh kak v šelkákh.He is up to his ears in debt.
Source note
53

Де́нег ку́ры не клюю́т

Déneg kúry ne kljujút

Have money to burn

Literally: Hens do not peck the money

Closest English expression: Have money to burn

Informal · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

У них де́нег ку́ры не клюю́т.
U nikh déneg kúry ne kljujút.They have money to burn.
Source note
54

жи́ла

Zolotája žíla

A gold mine

Literally: A gold vein

Closest English expression: A gold mine

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Для изда́теля э́та се́рия — жи́ла.
Dlja izdátelja è́ta sérija — zolotája žíla.For the publisher this series is a gold mine.
Source note
55

Копе́йка в копе́йку

Kopéjka v kopéjku

Exactly, down to the last penny

Literally: Kopeck for kopeck

Closest English expression: Exactly, down to the last penny

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он верну́л долг копе́йка в копе́йку.
On vernúl dolg kopéjka v kopéjku.He repaid the debt down to the last penny.
Source note
56

На зо́лота

Na ves zólota

Extremely valuable

Literally: Worth its weight in gold

Closest English expression: Extremely valuable

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Хоро́ший на зо́лота.
Khoróšij speciálist zdesʹ na ves zólota.A good specialist is worth their weight in gold here.
Source note
57

В мгнове́ние о́ка

V mgnovénie óka

In a flash

Literally: In the blink of an eye

Closest English expression: In a flash

Literary or expressive · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

разлете́лась в мгнове́ние о́ка.
Nóvostʹ razletélasʹ v mgnovénie óka.The news spread in a flash.
Source note
58

Че́рез по ча́йной ло́жке

Čérez čas po čájnoj lóžke

Painfully slowly

Literally: A teaspoon an hour

Closest English expression: Painfully slowly

Informal; impatient · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он че́рез час по ча́йной ло́жке.
On rasskázyvaet čérez čas po čájnoj lóžke.He tells the story painfully slowly.
Source note
59

Би́тый

Bítyj čas

A whole long hour

Literally: A beaten hour

Closest English expression: A whole long hour

Conversational; frustration · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Мы жда́ли би́тый .
My ždáli bítyj čas.We waited a whole long hour.
Source note
60

На носу́

Na nosú

Just around the corner in time

Literally: On the nose

Closest English expression: Just around the corner in time

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Экза́мены уже́ на носу́.
Èkzámeny užé na nosú.Exams are just around the corner.
Source note

Explore these words: Time & dates (flashcards) · Sports & fitness (flashcards) · Jobs & work (flashcards)

Put these words into context with a story at your level.

Read Russian stories

Russian idioms for problems and luck

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A person carefully stepping between puddles
61

Попа́сть впроса́к

Popástʹ vprosák

Get into an embarrassing predicament

Literally: To get into a fix

Closest English expression: Get into an embarrassing predicament

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я не и попа́л впроса́к.
Ja ne provéril ádres i popál vprosák.I did not check the address and got into a predicament.
Source note
62

в лу́жу

Sestʹ v lúžu

Make a fool of yourself

Literally: To sit in a puddle

Closest English expression: Make a fool of yourself

Informal · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не хо́чется сесть в лу́жу на встре́че.
Ne khóčetsja sestʹ v lúžu na vstréče.I do not want to make a fool of myself at the meeting.
Source note
63

Вы́йти сухи́м из

Výjti sukhím iz vodý

Get away unscathed

Literally: To come out of the water dry

Closest English expression: Get away unscathed

Conversational; often disapproving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он вы́шел сухи́м из воды́.
On opjátʹ výšel sukhím iz vodý.He got away unscathed again.
Source note
64

Из да в по́лымя

Iz ognjá da v pólymja

Out of the frying pan into the fire

Literally: Out of fire into flame

Closest English expression: Out of the frying pan into the fire

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

С э́той заме́ной мы попа́ли из огня́ да в по́лымя.
S è́toj zaménoj my popáli iz ognjá da v pólymja.That replacement took us from bad to worse.
Source note
65

Ме́жду огне́й

Méždu dvukh ognéj

Caught between two opposing sides

Literally: Between two fires

Closest English expression: Caught between two opposing sides

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я оказа́лся ме́жду огне́й.
Ja okazálsja méždu dvukh ognéj.I ended up caught between the two sides.
Source note
66

Медве́жья услу́га

Medvéžʹja uslúga

A favour that does harm

Literally: A bear’s service

Closest English expression: A favour that does harm

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Его́ оказа́лся медве́жьей услу́гой.
Egó sovét okazálsja medvéžʹej uslúgoj.His advice turned out to be a harmful favour.
Source note
67

Подли́вать ма́сла в

Podlívatʹ másla v ogónʹ

Add fuel to the fire

Literally: To pour oil on the fire

Closest English expression: Add fuel to the fire

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не подлива́й ма́сла в э́тим спо́ром.
Ne podliváj másla v ogónʹ è́tim spórom.Do not add fuel to the fire with this argument.
Source note
68

Как на го́лову

Kak sneg na gólovu

Completely out of the blue

Literally: Like snow on the head

Closest English expression: Completely out of the blue

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Прове́рка сва́лилась как снег на го́лову.
Provérka sválilasʹ kak sneg na gólovu.The inspection came completely out of the blue.
Source note
69

Сесть на мель

Sestʹ na melʹ

Get stuck, especially financially

Literally: To run aground

Closest English expression: Get stuck, especially financially

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

К ме́сяца мы се́ли на мель.
K koncú mésjaca my séli na melʹ.By the end of the month we had run out of money.
Source note
70

в

Rodítʹsja v rubáške

Be extraordinarily lucky

Literally: To be born wearing a shirt

Closest English expression: Be extraordinarily lucky

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Все́ целы́? Да вы в руба́шке роди́лись!
Vsé celý? Da vy v rubáške rodílisʹ!Everyone is safe? You were incredibly lucky!
Source note

Explore these words: Emergencies & safety (flashcards) · Numbers (flashcards) · City & places (flashcards)

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Read Russian stories

Russian idioms about relationships and judgment

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

Two friends smiling and shaking hands
71

Душа́ в ду́шу

Dušá v dúšu

In perfect harmony

Literally: Soul to soul

Closest English expression: In perfect harmony

Approving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Они́ живу́т душа́ в ду́шу.
Oní živút dušá v dúšu.They live in perfect harmony.
Source note
72

о́бщий

Nakhodítʹ óbščij jazýk

Find common ground

Literally: To find a common language

Closest English expression: Find common ground

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Мы бы́стро нашли́ о́бщий язы́к.
My býstro našlí óbščij jazýk.We quickly found common ground.
Source note
73

Води́ть хорово́ды

Vodítʹ khorovódy

Spend time fussing around someone

Literally: To lead round dances

Closest English expression: Spend time fussing around someone

Conversational; disapproving · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я не бу́ду води́ть него́ хорово́ды.
Ja ne búdu vodítʹ vokrúg negó khorovódy.I am not going to keep fussing around him.
Source note
74

ка́мень за па́зухой

Deržátʹ kámenʹ za pázukhoj

Harbour a grudge

Literally: To keep a stone inside one’s shirt

Closest English expression: Harbour a grudge

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он , но де́ржит ка́мень за па́зухой.
On ulybáetsja, no déržit kámenʹ za pázukhoj.He smiles, but harbours a grudge.
Source note
75

Смо́треть сквозь

Smótretʹ skvozʹ pálʹcy

Turn a blind eye

Literally: To look through one’s fingers

Closest English expression: Turn a blind eye

Neutral · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Руководи́тель смо́трит сквозь па́льцы на опозда́ния.
Rukovodítelʹ smótrit skvozʹ pálʹcy na opozdánija.The manager turns a blind eye to lateness.
Source note
76

Ме́рить на свой арши́н

Méritʹ na svoj aršín

Judge by your own standards

Literally: To measure with one’s own arshin

Closest English expression: Judge by your own standards

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не ме́рь всех на свой арши́н.
Ne mérʹ vsekh na svoj aršín.Do not judge everyone by your own standards.
Source note
77

Закады́чный

Zakadýčnyj drug

A bosom friend

Literally: A close-to-the-bosom friend

Closest English expression: A bosom friend

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Мы с ним закады́чные со шко́лы.
My s nim zakadýčnye druzʹjá so škóly.We have been close friends since school.
Source note
78

За три́девять земе́ль

Za trídevjatʹ zemélʹ

A very long way away

Literally: Beyond three-times-nine lands

Closest English expression: A very long way away

Fairy-tale wording; humorous in conversation · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Ро́дственники живу́т за три́девять земе́ль.
Ródstvenniki živút za trídevjatʹ zemélʹ.Our relatives live a very long way away.
Source note
79

Знать как свои́ па́льцев

Znatʹ kak svoí pjatʹ pálʹcev

Know like the back of your hand

Literally: To know like one’s own five fingers

Closest English expression: Know like the back of your hand

Conversational · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я зна́ю э́тот го́род как свои́ пять па́льцев.
Ja znáju è́tot górod kak svoí pjatʹ pálʹcev.I know this town like the back of my hand.
Source note
80

рак на сви́стнет

Kogdá rak na goré svístnet

When pigs fly

Literally: When a crayfish whistles on a mountain

Closest English expression: When pigs fly

Informal; sarcastic · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он вернёт кни́гу, рак на горе́ сви́стнет.
On vernët knígu, kogdá rak na goré svístnet.He will return the book when pigs fly.
Source note

Explore these words: Family & relationships (flashcards) · Countries & languages (flashcards) · Directions & position (flashcards)

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Read Russian stories

Russian proverbs and sayings

Read the whole expression as a unit, then compare the literal picture with the situation in the example.

A patient angler beside a pond and a small measuring ruler
81

Без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́.

Bez trudá ne výtaščišʹ i rýbku iz prudá.

Nothing comes without effort.

Literally: Without effort you cannot pull even a fish from a pond.

Closest English expression: Nothing comes without effort.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Учи́сь ка́ждый : без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́.
Učísʹ káždyj denʹ: bez trudá ne výtaščišʹ i rýbku iz prudá.Study every day: nothing comes without effort.
Source note
82

Семь раз отме́рь, оди́н раз отре́жь.

Semʹ raz otmérʹ, odín raz otréžʹ.

Think carefully before acting.

Literally: Measure seven times, cut once.

Closest English expression: Think carefully before acting.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

ра́счёт: семь раз отме́рь, оди́н раз отре́жь.
Provérʹ rásčët: semʹ raz otmérʹ, odín raz otréžʹ.Check the calculation: think before you act.
Source note
83

Ти́ше е́дешь — бу́дешь.

Tíše édešʹ — dálʹše búdešʹ.

Slow and steady wins the race.

Literally: Go more quietly and you will get farther.

Closest English expression: Slow and steady wins the race.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Не спеши́: ти́ше е́дешь — да́льше бу́дешь.
Ne speší: tíše édešʹ — dálʹše búdešʹ.Do not rush: slow and steady wins the race.
Source note
84

Лу́чше по́здно, чем .

Lúčše pózdno, čem nikogdá.

Better late than never.

Literally: Better late than never.

Closest English expression: Better late than never.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я всё-таки позвони́л: лу́чше по́здно, чем .
Ja vsë-taki pozvoníl: lúčše pózdno, čem nikogdá.I finally called: better late than never.
Source note
85

лу́чше но́вых .

Stáryj drug lúčše nóvykh dvukh.

Value longstanding friendships.

Literally: An old friend is better than two new ones.

Closest English expression: Value longstanding friendships.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Он вы́ручил меня́: друг лу́чше но́вых двух.
On snóva výručil menjá: stáryj drug lúčše nóvykh dvukh.He helped me again: an old friendship is precious.
Source note
86

Не име́й , а име́й друзе́й.

Ne iméj sto rubléj, a iméj sto druzéj.

Friends are worth more than money.

Literally: Have a hundred friends rather than a hundred rubles.

Closest English expression: Friends are worth more than money.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Все́ помогли́ с пере́ездом: не име́й сто рубле́й, а име́й сто друзе́й.
Vsé pomoglí s peréezdom: ne iméj sto rubléj, a iméj sto druzéj.Everyone helped us move: friends are worth more than money.
Source note
87

Что посе́ешь, то и пожнёшь.

Čto poséešʹ, to i požnëšʹ.

You reap what you sow.

Literally: What you sow, you will reap.

Closest English expression: You reap what you sow.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Ты всем , помогу́т тебе́: что посе́ешь, то и пожнёшь.
Ty vsem pomogál, tepérʹ pomogút tebé: čto poséešʹ, to i požnëšʹ.You helped everyone; now they will help you: you reap what you sow.
Source note
88

Не всё то зо́лото, что блести́т.

Ne vsë to zóloto, čto blestít.

All that glitters is not gold.

Literally: Not everything that shines is gold.

Closest English expression: All that glitters is not gold.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Краси́вая ещё ничего́ не зна́чит: не всё то зо́лото, что блести́т.
Krasívaja rekláma eščë ničegó ne znáčit: ne vsë to zóloto, čto blestít.Attractive advertising proves little: all that glitters is not gold.
Source note
89

Век живи́ — век учи́сь.

Vek živí — vek učísʹ.

Live and learn.

Literally: Live a lifetime, learn a lifetime.

Closest English expression: Live and learn.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

Я откры́л но́вый спо́соб: век живи́ — век учи́сь.
Ja otkrýl nóvyj spósob: vek živí — vek učísʹ.I found a new method: live and learn.
Source note
90

Сло́во не воробе́й: вы́летит — не пойма́ешь.

Slóvo ne vorobéj: výletit — ne pojmáešʹ.

You cannot take back what you have said.

Literally: A word is not a sparrow: once it flies out, you cannot catch it.

Closest English expression: You cannot take back what you have said.

Traditional proverb · Widely understood Russian

In a sentence

пе́ред отве́том: сло́во не воробе́й.
Podúmaj péred otvétom: slóvo ne vorobéj.Think before answering: words cannot be taken back.
Source note

Explore these words: Time & dates (flashcards) · Numbers (flashcards) · Age & life stages (flashcards)

Put these words into context with a story at your level.

Read Russian stories

Use an idiom in a real situation

  1. Choose one expression whose example fits your life.
  2. Say the original example, then change one detail while preserving the idiom.
  3. Notice the register: a joking expression can be unsuitable in a serious apology.
  4. Look for the phrase in a story before trying to use several idioms in one conversation.

Russian idioms: frequently asked questions

What is a Russian idiom?

An idiom is a fixed expression whose intended meaning differs from a straightforward translation of its words. The literal picture can be a useful memory aid, but the example shows how it is used.

What is the difference between an idiom and a proverb?

An idiom usually fits inside a sentence. A proverb is usually a complete saying that comments on life or gives advice. Both can be figurative.

Which Russian idioms should a beginner learn first?

Start with the essential list. Choose expressions you encounter in stories or conversation rather than memorising the whole page at once.

Can I translate English idioms word for word?

Sometimes languages share a picture, but many expressions do not transfer. Check the target-language meaning and example before using a literal translation.

Are all these expressions formal?

No. Read the register label. Many are conversational, some are literary and a few are pointed or critical; those can sound rude when aimed directly at another person.

Does every idiom have an exact English equivalent?

No. The English equivalent is a close functional match or a short paraphrase. It does not promise that the expressions fit every identical context.

How can I remember figurative expressions?

Connect the literal image to a specific situation. Retell the example in your own words and look for another occurrence before learning the next expression.

Why do the Russian idioms have stress marks?

Russian stress is not reliably predicted from spelling and can move when a word changes form. The acute marks help you learn each expression; ordinary native writing usually omits them.

Do Russian idioms change their grammar?

Often. The verb changes for tense and person, and a noun or pronoun may change case. Learn the complete example rather than treating the dictionary infinitive as a ready-made sentence.

Make these words part of your day

Explore Russian stories, listen along, and save vocabulary as you go.

Find a story at your level

Sources and verification

English translations and examples were written for this guide. Source notes distinguish documented expressions, original practice sentences, and literary quotations. Literary excerpts retain the language of their original period.

Source notes for all 90 entries
  1. Брать себя́ в ру́ки: Dictionary headword “брать себя в руки”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-1-source]
  2. Бить баклу́ши: Dictionary headword “бить баклуши”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-2-source]
  3. Води́ть за́ нос: Dictionary headword “водить за нос”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-3-source]
  4. Ве́шать лапшу́ на́ уши: Dictionary headword “вешать лапшу на уши”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-4-source]
  5. Де́лать из му́хи слона́: Dictionary headword “делать из мухи слона”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-5-source]
  6. Как две ка́пли воды́: Dictionary headword “как две капли воды”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-6-source]
  7. Ни пу́ха ни пера́: Dictionary headword “ни пуха ни пера”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-7-source]
  8. В пух и прах: Dictionary entry for the complete adverbial expression. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [essential-8-source]
  9. Руко́й пода́ть: Dictionary headword “рукой подать”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-9-source]
  10. Кот напла́кал: Dictionary headword “кот наплакал”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [essential-10-source]
  11. Бе́лая воро́на: Dictionary headword “белая ворона”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-1-source]
  12. Тёмная лоша́дка: Dictionary headword “тёмная лошадка”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-2-source]
  13. Стре́ляный воробе́й: Dictionary headword “стреляный воробей”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-3-source]
  14. Тёртый кала́ч: Dictionary headword “тёртый калач”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-4-source]
  15. Душа́ компа́нии: Dictionary headword “душа компании”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-5-source]
  16. Золоты́е ру́ки: Dictionary headword “золотые руки”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-6-source]
  17. Семи́ пя́дей во лбу́: Dictionary headword “семи пядей во лбу”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-7-source]
  18. Мо́края ку́рица: Dictionary headword “мокрая курица”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-8-source]
  19. Соба́ка на се́не: Dictionary headword “собака на сене”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-9-source]
  20. Волк в ове́чьей шку́ре: Dictionary headword “волк в овечьей шкуре”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [people-10-source]
  21. Душа́ в пя́тки ушла́: Dictionary headword “душа в пятки ушла”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [feelings-1-source]
  22. Ка́мень с души́: Active Dictionary of Russian, volume 4 part 2, printed page54: камень с души свалился; meaning and usage examples. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [feelings-2-source]
  23. Быть на седьмо́м не́бе: Dictionary headword “на седьмом небе”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [feelings-3-source]
  24. Рвать на себе́ во́лосы: Phraseological Dictionary of the Russian Literary Language, A. I. Fyodorov, 2008; dictionary text reproduced by Academic. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [feelings-4-source]
  25. Выходи́ть из себя́: Dictionary headword “выходить из себя”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [feelings-5-source]
  26. Ве́шать нос: Dictionary headword “вешать нос”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [feelings-6-source]
  27. Не в свое́й таре́лке: Dictionary headword “не в своей тарелке”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [feelings-7-source]
  28. Ко́шки скребу́т на душе́: Phraseological Dictionary of the Russian Literary Language; dictionary text reproduced by Academic. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [feelings-8-source]
  29. Как гора́ с плеч: The headword includes Как гора с плеч (свалилась), explained as release from a heavy worry. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [feelings-9-source]
  30. Не находи́ть себе́ ме́ста: Dictionary headword “не находить себе места”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [feelings-10-source]
  31. Держа́ть язы́к за зуба́ми: Dictionary headword “держать язык за зубами”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-1-source]
  32. Прикуси́ть язы́к: Dictionary headword “прикусить язык”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-2-source]
  33. Язы́к без косте́й: Dictionary headword “язык без костей”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-3-source]
  34. Сло́во за́ слово: Dictionary headword “слово за слово”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-4-source]
  35. Броса́ть слова́ на ве́тер: Dictionary includes imperfective бросать and both word orders; definition paraphrased, our example newly written. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [speech-5-source]
  36. Из пу́стого в поро́жнее: Dictionary headword “из пустого в порожнее”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-6-source]
  37. Не в бровь, а в глаз: Dictionary headword “не в бровь, а в глаз”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-7-source]
  38. Загова́ривать зу́бы: Dictionary headword “заговаривать зубы”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-8-source]
  39. Моло́ть языко́м: Dictionary headword “молоть языком”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-9-source]
  40. Заруби́ть на носу́: Dictionary headword “зарубить на носу”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [speech-10-source]
  41. Засучи́в рукава́: Dictionary headword “засучив рукава”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-1-source]
  42. Спустя́ рукава́: Dictionary headword “спустя рукава”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-2-source]
  43. В по́те лица́: Dictionary headword “в поте лица”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-3-source]
  44. Сиде́ть сложа́ ру́ки: Dictionary headword for the adverbial expression used with сидеть. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [work-4-source]
  45. Лома́ть го́лову: Dictionary headword “ломать голову”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-5-source]
  46. Наби́ть ру́ку: Dictionary headword “набить руку”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-6-source]
  47. Съесть соба́ку: Dictionary headword in the alternative component order, with the same figurative meaning. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [work-7-source]
  48. Вставля́ть па́лки в колёса: Dictionary headword “вставлять палки в колёса”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-8-source]
  49. Второ́е дыха́ние: Dictionary headword “второе дыхание”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-9-source]
  50. Брать быка́ за рога́: Dictionary headword “брать быка за рога”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [work-10-source]
  51. Затяну́ть по́яс: Dictionary imperfective headword for the expression; our entry gives perfective затянуть. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [money-1-source]
  52. В долга́х как в шелка́х: Dictionary headword “в долгах как в шелках”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-2-source]
  53. Де́нег ку́ры не клюю́т: Dictionary headword “денег куры не клюют”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-3-source]
  54. Золота́я жи́ла: Dictionary headword “золотая жила”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-4-source]
  55. Копе́йка в копе́йку: Dictionary headword “копейка в копейку”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-5-source]
  56. На вес зо́лота: Dictionary headword “на вес золота”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-6-source]
  57. В мгнове́ние о́ка: Dictionary headword “в мгновение ока”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-7-source]
  58. Че́рез час по ча́йной ло́жке: Dictionary headword “через час по чайной ложке”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-8-source]
  59. Би́тый час: Dictionary headword “битый час”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [money-9-source]
  60. На носу́: Kuznetsov’s dictionary entry includes на носу: something close or about to happen. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [money-10-source]
  61. Попа́сть впроса́к: Dictionary headword “попасть впросак”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-1-source]
  62. Сесть в лу́жу: Dictionary headword “сесть в лужу”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-2-source]
  63. Вы́йти сухи́м из воды́: Dictionary headword “выйти сухим из воды”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-3-source]
  64. Из огня́ да в по́лымя: Dictionary headword “из огня да в полымя”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-4-source]
  65. Ме́жду двух огне́й: Dictionary headword “между двух огней”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-5-source]
  66. Медве́жья услу́га: Dictionary headword “медвежья услуга”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-6-source]
  67. Подли́вать ма́сла в ого́нь: Dictionary headword uses accusative масло; the entry uses the usual partitive масла variant. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [trouble-7-source]
  68. Как снег на го́лову: Dictionary headword “как снег на голову”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-8-source]
  69. Сесть на мель: Dictionary headword “сесть на мель”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-9-source]
  70. Роди́ться в руба́шке: Dictionary headword “родиться в рубашке”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [trouble-10-source]
  71. Душа́ в ду́шу: Dictionary headword “душа в душу”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-1-source]
  72. Находи́ть о́бщий язы́к: Dictionary headword “находить общий язык”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-2-source]
  73. Води́ть хорово́ды: Section209.5.4 explicitly includes водить хороводы вокруг кого under obsequiousness. The example supplies вокруг него to make the figurative reading clear. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [relationships-3-source]
  74. Держа́ть ка́мень за па́зухой: Dictionary headword “держать камень за пазухой”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-4-source]
  75. Смо́треть сквозь па́льцы: Dictionary headword “смотреть сквозь пальцы”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-5-source]
  76. Ме́рить на свой арши́н: Dictionary headword “мерить на свой аршин”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-6-source]
  77. Закады́чный друг: Dictionary headword “закадычный друг”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-7-source]
  78. За три́девять земе́ль: Dictionary headword “за тридевять земель”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-8-source]
  79. Знать как свои́ пять па́льцев: Dictionary headword “знать как свои пять пальцев”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-9-source]
  80. Когда́ рак на горе́ сви́стнет: Dictionary headword “когда рак на горе свистнет”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [relationships-10-source]
  81. Без труда́ не вы́тащишь и ры́бку из пруда́.: Kuznetsov’s explanatory dictionary explicitly records Без труда не вытащишь и рыбку из пруда as a proverb. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [proverbs-1-source]
  82. Семь раз отме́рь, оди́н раз отре́жь.: Dictionary headword “семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [proverbs-2-source]
  83. Ти́ше е́дешь — да́льше бу́дешь.: Linguocultural dictionary includes the proverb Тише едешь — дальше будешь and multiple literary examples. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [proverbs-3-source]
  84. Лу́чше по́здно, чем никогда́.: Dictionary headword “лучше поздно, чем никогда”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [proverbs-4-source]
  85. Ста́рый друг лу́чше но́вых двух.: Dictionary entry records the proverb with examples from Ostrovsky and other writers, and references Dal and Mikhelson. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [proverbs-5-source]
  86. Не име́й сто рубле́й, а име́й сто друзе́й.: Active Dictionary of Russian volume4 part1, ИМЕТЬ, records Не имей сто рублей, а имей сто друзей as a proverb. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [proverbs-6-source]
  87. Что посе́ешь, то и пожнёшь.: Dictionary headword “что посеешь, то и пожнёшь”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [proverbs-7-source]
  88. Не всё то зо́лото, что блести́т.: Dictionary headword “не всё то золото, что блестит”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [proverbs-8-source]
  89. Век живи́ — век учи́сь.: Dictionary headword “век живи — век учись”; displayed learner diacritics are editorial. [proverbs-9-source]
  90. Сло́во не воробе́й: вы́летит — не пойма́ешь.: Dictionary records the full proverb and word-order/punctuation variants with literary examples. English meaning and example sentence are original editorial writing. [proverbs-10-source]