Russian Idioms

Russian Idioms https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms A dictionary of Russian idioms, browsable through alphabetical links. Includes idiom's parts of speech, transcription, definitions and example sentences. en-us Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:22:10 +0300 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:22:10 +0300 https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms root@sky-net-eye.com (noreply) root@sky-net-eye.com (noreply) Russian Idioms https://www.sky-net-eye.com/images/logo_en.png https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms noA dictionary of Russian idioms, browsable through alphabetical links. Includes idiom's parts of speech, transcription, definitions and example sentences.root@sky-net-eye.com перекладывать с больной головы на здоровую https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/perekladivat-s-bolnoy-golovyi-na-zdorovuu https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/perekladivat-s-bolnoy-golovyi-na-zdorovuu Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
перекладывать с больной головы на здоровую {v. phr.}
pere`kladyivat' s bol'`noj golo`vyi na zdo`rovuu
To pass the blame to someone innocent.
See: перекладывать вину

]]> Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 без сучка без задоринки https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/bez-suchka-bez-zadorinki https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/bez-suchka-bez-zadorinki Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
без сучка без задоринки {adv. phr.}
`bez such'`ka bez za`dorinki
Sth. that went off impeccably, smoothly, without any problems.
To do sth. without defects.
Тестирование продукта прошло без сучка без задоринки. — Product testing has been carried out (passed) without any problems (smoothly).

{Origin}
From the carpenters' and cabinetmakers' style of speaking. Initially, about the wood and timber of a high quality and thorough woodworking. Задоринка — roughness, a hook on the surface of a smoothly planed board. Literally — without any defects.

See also:
комар носа не подточит; без изъянов
it's just perfect; it's done to a T; there's nothing left hanging

]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 танцы с бубном https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_t/tambourine-dansing https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_t/tambourine-dansing Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
танцы с бубном or танцы с бубнами or пляски с бубном {n. phr.} {jokingly} {informal} {used by technical guys}
{literally} tambourine dansing
A set of sophisticated and unobvious actions (for example, not clearly described in the user manual) which are necessary to be performed to achieve the particular goal (for example, in conputer set up and configuration). "Tambourine dansing" is usually a long and painful process of 'trials and errors' and can be different next time you do generally the same thing.

]]> Sun, 07 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 выносить сор из избы https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vinosit-sor-iz-izbyi https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vinosit-sor-iz-izbyi Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
выносить сор из избы {v. phr.}
{literally}
To take trash out one's home.
~air (wash) one's dirty linen (in public);
~wash your dirty linen at home;
~to foul one's own nest.
To expose smt. that should be kept private to public.
Usually in negative:
Не надо выносить сор из избы! — Let's wash our dirty linen at home!
Давайте не будем (перестанем) выносить сор из избы! — Let's avoid (stop) washing dirty linen!
See:
стирать свое грязное белье при людях

]]> Sat, 06 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 залетная птица https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_z/zaletnaya-ptitsa https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_z/zaletnaya-ptitsa Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
залетная птица {n. phr.}
za`l'yotnaja `pt'ica
~a bird of passage.
1. Smb., who has come/appeared without special plans but casually, for example, passing by.
2. Smb., who has come unexpectedly or by surprise.

]]> Fri, 05 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 брать себя в руки https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/brat-sebya-v-ruki https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/brat-sebya-v-ruki Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
брать (взять) себя в руки {v. phr.}
brat' (vzyat') se`bya v `ruki
{literally} take oneself in hands.

See:
to collect oneself, to pull oneself together, to control oneself, to take oneself in hand, to get control of oneself charge / control of sth.

1. To recover control over one's emotions, to show self-control.
~to keep one's wool on

Неприятное известие очень взволновало отца, но он быстро взял себя в руки. — Father was very alarmed by the bad news, however he has taken himself in hand very quickly.

2. To become more self-disciplined, purposeful, make yourself do sth.
— Танюша! — взволнованно говорит Саша. — Твой отец прав — ты должна много работать! Нужно взять себя в руки, быть настойчивой, смелой, энергичной (В. Липатов). — "Tanusha!" Sasha says with emotion, "Your father is correct. You should work hard! You should take yourself in hand, be persistent, audacious, energetic." (V. Lipatov)

(!) do not mix up with the idiom:
брать в руки, брать в свои руки.

]]> Thu, 04 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 лиха беда начало https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_l/liha-beda-nachalo https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_l/liha-beda-nachalo Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
лиха беда начало {proverb}
li`kha be`da na`chalo
~the first step is the hardest
{literally}
Beginning is a hard evil.
Often said to encourage somebody, when the person is about to do (begin) some nontrivial task, work, etc.

See also:
глаза боятся, а руки делают
a good beginning makes a good ending
all things are difficult before they are easy
a good beginning is half the battle

]]> Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:00:04 +0300 смотреть как баран на новые ворота https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/smotret-kak-baran-na-novie-vorota https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/smotret-kak-baran-na-novie-vorota Russian Idioms

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смотреть (уставиться) как баран на новые ворота {v. phr.} {informal}
smot`ret' (u`stavit'sya) kak ba`ran na `noviye vo`rota
{literally}
To stare at like a ram at a new gate.
~ give an empty stare
To look at someone or sth. with a puzzled, perplexed or dismayed expression on one's face; to look rather stupid, not understanding what is going on; to look quite lost.
Originating as an extention of a persistent statement смотреть (уставиться) как баран — stare as a ram. A ram (Баран) is considered such a damb animal that it, as they say, does not recognize its own farm if it sees a new gate, and since the ram is usually looking at the gate for a long time before it dares to enter.

Latest discussions :: смотреть как баран на новые ворота

Amit 2009-12-21 17:00:23
"stado baranov" ("a flock of rams") is somewhat related, meaning a group of people, not very smart, doing the same stupid things etc.

]]> Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying смотреть (уставиться) как баран на новые ворота  {v. phr.}  {informal} smot`ret' (u`stavit'sya) kak ba`ran na `noviye vo`rota  {literally} To stare at like a ram at a new gate. ~ give an empty stare To look at someone or sth. with a puzzled, perplexed or dismayed expression on one's face; to look rather stupid, not understanding what is going on; to look quite lost. Originating as an extention of a persistent statement смотреть (уставиться) как баран — stare as a ram. A ram (Баран) is considered such a damb animal that it, as they say, does not recognize its own farm if it sees a new gate, and since the ram is usually looking at the gate for a long time before it dares to enter. Latest discussions :: смотреть как баран на новые воротаAmit 2009-12-21 17:00:23 "stado baranov" ("a flock of rams") is somewhat related, meaning a group of people, not very smart, doing the same stupid things etc. Reply#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying смотреть (уставиться) как баран на новые ворота  {v. phr.}  {informal} smot`ret' (u`stavit'sya) kak ba`ran na `noviye vo`rota  {literally} To stare at like a ram at a new gate. ~ give an empty stare To look at someone or sth. with a puzzled, perplexed or dismayed expression on one's face; to look rather stupid, not understanding what is going on; to look quite lost. Originating as an extention of a persistent statement смотреть (уставиться) как баран — stare as a ram. A ram (Баран) is considered such a damb animal that it, as they say, does not recognize its own farm if it sees a new gate, and since the ram is usually looking at the gate for a long time before it dares to enter. Latest discussions :: смотреть как баран на новые воротаAmit 2009-12-21 17:00:23 "stado baranov" ("a flock of rams") is somewhat related, meaning a group of people, not very smart, doing the same stupid things etc. Reply намять бока https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/namyat-boka https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/namyat-boka Russian Idioms

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намять бока {v. phr.} {colloquial}
na`m'yat' bo`ka
To give smb. a licking; to give smb. a sound trashing.

]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0300 ума не приложу https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_u/uma-ne-prilozhu https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_u/uma-ne-prilozhu Russian Idioms

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ума не приложу {v. phr.}
u`ma ne prilo`zhu
{literally} (I) cannot apply my mind.

~ (I) cannot understand, guess; (I) have no idea. (I am) at a loss.
~ (I am) at my wit's end.

Ума не приложу, куда я подевала свой дневник. — I have no idea where I have put my diary.

Syn:
{informal} без понятия

]]> Sun, 31 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 отделываться лёгким испугом https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/otdelivatsya-legkim-ispugom https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/otdelivatsya-legkim-ispugom Russian Idioms

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отделываться лёгким испугом {v. phr.}
ot`d'elyivat's'ya `l'iogkim is`pugom
~to get away with murder
To escape from worse troubles that could be.
See: get off easy

]]> Sat, 30 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 тише воды, ниже травы https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_t/tishe-vodi https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_t/tishe-vodi Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
тише воды, ниже травы {adj. phr.} or {adv. phr.}
`t'ishe vo`dyi, n'i`zhe tra`vyi
{literary} quieter than water, lower than grass.

1. {adj. phr.} utterly modest, imperceptible, inoffensive.
После серьёзного разговора подросток сильно изменился, стал тише воды, ниже травы. — After a good talking the juvenile has changed greatly, become "meek as a lamb".

2. {adv. phr.} gingerly, decently, imperceptibly.
Он чувствовал свою вину и потому держал себя тише воды, ниже травы. — He felt his fault and behaved "quieter than water, lower than grass".

See also:
meek and mild
meek as a lamb

]]> Fri, 29 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 выдавливать улыбку https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vidavlivat-ulibku https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vidavlivat-ulibku Russian Idioms

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выдавливать улыбку {v. phr.}
vy`davlivat' u`lybku
To force a smile to appear on one's face.
После разговора по душам, мой приятель лишь с трудом смог выдавить улыбку. — After a heart-to-heart talk my fellow could hardly force a smile on his face.
Contr.:
не сдерживать улыбку
crack a smile

]]> Thu, 28 May 2026 09:00:02 +0300 преподать урок https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/prepodat-urok https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/prepodat-urok Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
преподать урок {v. phr.}
pr'epo`dat' u`rok

~ teach a lesson

Comp:
задавать жару
показать где раки зимуют
затыкать за пояс

]]> Wed, 27 May 2026 09:00:02 +0300 разговор по душам https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_r/razgovor-po-dusham https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_r/razgovor-po-dusham Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
разговор по душам {n. phr.}
razgo`vor po du`sham
1. ~ heart-to-heart talk
Заходи вечерком, поговорим по душам. — Drop in to my place tonight, we'll talk heart-by-heart.
2. {figurative} {informal}
A talk on one's cups, sometimes ending up with a fight.
— откуда у тебя синяк под глазом? — да поговорили с одним типом "по душам"! — "How did you get that black eye?" "I had a "heart-to-heart" talk with one fellow."

Contr.:
разговор на повышенных тонах

]]> Tue, 26 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 намыливаться https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/namilivatsya https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/namilivatsya Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
намыливаться (куда-л.) {v. phr.} {informal}
na`myil'ivat's'ya
{literally} to soap oneself.
To make one's plan to go to; to be going (to); be geared up to go (to).
Куда это ты намыливаешься? — Where are you going to?
Я намыливаюсь (пойти) в кино вечером. Пойдешь со мной? — I am planning to go to the movies tonight. Will you join me?
Comp.: plan on (1).

]]> Mon, 25 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 диву даваться https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_d/divu-davatsya https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_d/divu-davatsya Russian Idioms

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диву даваться {v. phr.}
`divu da`vat's'ya
{literary} to wonder, to marvel.
Nowadays swimmers are able to overpass 50 m distanse within 20 seconds. I wonder, what a speed! — Современные пловцы способны преодолеть дистанцию в 50 метров за 20 секунд. Я просто диву даюсь, что за скорость!

]]> Sun, 24 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 в поте лица (своего) https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/v-pote-litsa-svoego https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/v-pote-litsa-svoego Russian Idioms

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в поте лица {adv. phr.}
v `pot'e l'i`tca (svoye`go)
{literary} by the sweat of one's face. — Through a hard work.
Eq.: by the sweat of one's brow

While being a young boy I had to work by the sweat of my brow to earn my family livings. — Будучи маленьким мальчиком, мне (уже) приходилось работать в поте лица, чтобы обеспечивать нашу семью.

See also:
не покладая рук
изо всех сил
прилагать силы
прилагать усилия

]]> Sat, 23 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 наломать дров https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/nalomat-drov https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/nalomat-drov Russian Idioms

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наломать дров {v.phr.} {informal}
nalo`mat' drov
{literally} to chop wood.
To brake, spoil smt. Mess smt.up.
Cp.: botch up
Ну и наломал я дров вчера на работе! Завалил весь проект. — What a mess I did yesterday to the work project! It is now ruined.

]]> Fri, 22 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 брать за сердце https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/brat-za-serdce https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/brat-za-serdce Russian Idioms

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брать за сердце {v.phr.}
brat' za `serce
{literally} to touch by the heart.
To excite, to impress strongly.
Всех взяли за сердце слова этой простой русской женщины, матери погибшего героя. — Everyone was touched by the heart by the words of this ordinary Russian woman, mother of the lost hero.
Syn.: to touch smb.'s heart

]]> Thu, 21 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 брать с потолка https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/brat-s-potolka https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/brat-s-potolka Russian Idioms

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брать с потолка {v. phr.}
brat' s potol`ka
To imagine; invent, think up; get from nowhere.
Вы взяли с потолка какую-то цифру и решили, что в ней есть какой-то смысл. А смысла в этом никакого нет. — You have spun a number out of thin air and decided it has some sence. However, the number has absolutely no sence.
See:
make smt. up,
spin smt. out of thin air
высасывать из пальца

]]> Wed, 20 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 вынь да положь https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vin-da-polozh https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vin-da-polozh Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
вынь да положь {v. phr.} {informal}
vyin' da po`lozh
{imperative} do or get smt. by all means. (for smb.). Said when smb. wants smt. here and right now.
"Все преобразования требуют времени, а русский народ ждать не умеет — вынь да положь ему все сразу на блюдечке с голубой каемочкой." — "Every reform is time consuming, however Russian folks are not used to wait — they want everything here and now, on a silver platter."
See also:
из под земли доставать
на блюдечке с голубой каемочкой

]]> Tue, 19 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 умывать руки https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_u/umivat-ruki https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_u/umivat-ruki Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
умывать руки {v. phr.} {literary}
umy`vat' `ruki
{literally} to wash one's hands.

To divest oneself of any further connection with or responsibility for smt.; to abandon the matter entirely. To stop dealing with smt.

Comp.:
To wash one's hands of smt.

]]> Mon, 18 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying умывать руки  {v. phr.}  {literary} umy`vat' `ruki  {literally} to wash one's hands. To divest oneself of any further connection with or responsibility for smt.; to abandon the matter entirely. To stop dealing with smt. Comp.: To wash one's hands of smt.#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying умывать руки  {v. phr.}  {literary} umy`vat' `ruki  {literally} to wash one's hands. To divest oneself of any further connection with or responsibility for smt.; to abandon the matter entirely. To stop dealing with smt. Comp.: To wash one's hands of smt. откладывать в долгий ящик https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/otkladivat-v-dolgiy-yazhik https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/otkladivat-v-dolgiy-yazhik Russian Idioms

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откладывать в долгий ящик {v. phr.}
ot`kladyivat' v `dolgij `yash'ik
{literally} to put smt. into a long drawer.
To shelve, to put off (for the time being), to procrastinate. To do smt. with low priority.

Often used with negation.
Не откладывай решение этого вопроса в долгий ящик. — Do not put off resolution or this question.

Comp.:
класть под сукно
тянуть волынку ~ drag one's feet

]]> Sun, 17 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 надо-б лучше, да нельзя https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/nado-b-luchshe https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/nado-b-luchshe Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
надо-б лучше, да нельзя {proverb} {adv. phr.}
`nado-b `luchshe, da nel'`zya
{literally} one would want better (quality), unless it couldn't be possible.
Said as praise to smb.
Meaning: even if smb. would like smt. to be done better, it would not be possible since this is already done perfectly.

See also:
лучше не бывает, лучше некуда, выше всяческих похвал, на славу, на зависть.

See also:
{informal}
на все сто, что надо, хоть куда, любо-дорого (посмотреть).

]]> Sat, 16 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 бить баклуши https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/bit-baklushi https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/bit-baklushi Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
бить баклуши {v. phr.} {informal}
bit' bak`lushi

To do nothing, to idle, to dawdle, to fool (away), to fritter away one's time

Usually in unfavourable sence:
Хватит бить баклуши! Ану-ка быстро за дело! — Stop foolling away! Now let's get to work!

{Origin}
Бить баклуши ( {literally} to beat the chips) — to cut a log into several blocks, to round them off outside and gouge inside. The blocks (chips) have been then used to produce spoons and other cooking battery of wood.
Preparing the half-finished product (the chip) was considered easy and simple, requiring no special skills. Therefore, the meaning is - "to do something unimportant or not worthwhile" or "to do nothing".

See also: валять дурака, лодыря гонять

]]> Fri, 15 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying бить баклуши  {v. phr.}  {informal} bit' bak`lushi To do nothing, to idle, to dawdle, to fool (away), to fritter away one's time Usually in unfavourable sence: Хватит бить баклуши! Ану-ка быстро за дело! — Stop foolling away! Now let's get to work!  {Origin} Бить баклуши ( {literally} to beat the chips) — to cut a log into several blocks, to round them off outside and gouge inside. The blocks (chips) have been then used to produce spoons and other cooking battery of wood. Preparing the half-finished product (the chip) was considered easy and simple, requiring no special skills. Therefore, the meaning is - "to do something unimportant or not worthwhile" or "to do nothing". See also: валять дурака, лодыря гонять#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying бить баклуши  {v. phr.}  {informal} bit' bak`lushi To do nothing, to idle, to dawdle, to fool (away), to fritter away one's time Usually in unfavourable sence: Хватит бить баклуши! Ану-ка быстро за дело! — Stop foolling away! Now let's get to work!  {Origin} Бить баклуши ( {literally} to beat the chips) — to cut a log into several blocks, to round them off outside and gouge inside. The blocks (chips) have been then used to produce spoons and other cooking battery of wood. Preparing the half-finished product (the chip) was considered easy and simple, requiring no special skills. Therefore, the meaning is - "to do something unimportant or not worthwhile" or "to do nothing". See also: валять дурака, лодыря гонять ангельское терпение https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_a/angelskoe-terpenie https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_a/angelskoe-terpenie Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
ангельское терпение {n. phr.}
`angel'skoye ter`peniye
{literally} angel's patience.

~the patience of Job (limitless patience).

My colleague at the office has the patience of Job. — Мой коллега по работе обладает ангельским терпением.

]]> Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 хвататься за соломинку https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_h/hvatatsya-za-solominku https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_h/hvatatsya-za-solominku Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
хвататься за соломинку {v. phr.}
khva`tattsya za so`lominku
- to catch at a straw, to clutch at straws.

To use the last chance while cornered or being in painful situation.

When in extreme danger, difficulty, etc., to try to seize any chance, however small or useless, of getting out of it.

]]> Wed, 13 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying хвататься за соломинку  {v. phr.} khva`tattsya za so`lominku - to catch at a straw, to clutch at straws. To use the last chance while cornered or being in painful situation. When in extreme danger, difficulty, etc., to try to seize any chance, however small or useless, of getting out of it.#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying хвататься за соломинку  {v. phr.} khva`tattsya za so`lominku - to catch at a straw, to clutch at straws. To use the last chance while cornered or being in painful situation. When in extreme danger, difficulty, etc., to try to seize any chance, however small or useless, of getting out of it. быть выше (чего-л.) https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/bit-vishe https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/bit-vishe Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
быть выше (чего-л.) {v. phr.}
byit' `vyishe
{literally} to be higher than sth.
To be a person who (for ex., due to education or good breeding) does not pay attention to what is happening, for example, rudeness, rumors, lie, etc.
My friends will never believe you! They are higher than rumors! — Мои друзья никогда тебе не поверят! Они выше сплетен!

]]> Tue, 12 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 аппетит приходит во время еды https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_a/appetit-prihodit-vo-vremya-edyi https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_a/appetit-prihodit-vo-vremya-edyi Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
аппети́т прихо́дит во вре́мя еды́ {proverb}
ape`tit pri`khodit vo `vremya ye`dyi
{literally}
Appetite comes with eating.
Eventually you will have an interest in doing sth. once you begin doing this.
See also:
лиха беда начало

]]> Mon, 11 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 обещать золотые горы https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/obezhat-zolotie-gori https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/obezhat-zolotie-gori Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
(на-, по-)обещать золотые горы {v. phr.}
naobe`zh'at' (poobe`zh'at') zolo`tyiye `goryi
~promise the moon; promise the world.
- to promise (much).

На собеседовании менеджер компании пообещал мне золотые горы. — On the interview the company manager promissed the world.

See also:
наобещать чего угодно
наобещать с три короба
to promise all kinds of things

]]> Sun, 10 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying (на-, по-)обещать золотые горы  {v. phr.} naobe`zh'at' (poobe`zh'at') zolo`tyiye `goryi ~promise the moon; promise the world. - to promise (much). На собеседовании менеджер компании пообещал мне золотые горы. — On the interview the company manager promissed the world. See also: наобещать чего угодно наобещать с три короба to promise all kinds of things#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying (на-, по-)обещать золотые горы  {v. phr.} naobe`zh'at' (poobe`zh'at') zolo`tyiye `goryi ~promise the moon; promise the world. - to promise (much). На собеседовании менеджер компании пообещал мне золотые горы. — On the interview the company manager promissed the world. See also: наобещать чего угодно наобещать с три короба to promise all kinds of things на взводе https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/na-vzvode https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/na-vzvode Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
быть на взводе {v.phr.}
{informal} to psych (up/out), {slang} to screw.
~ be blue in the face
To be highly emotional or nervous; be prepared to smt., or to action; be bery angry or disappointed.

на взводе {adj.phr.}
high(ly)-strung, nervous, wrought-up; strung-up {Brit.}.

{literally} having one's gun cocked (?).

Игорь предчувствовал серьезный разговор с посетителем и был заранее на взводе. — Igor expected high words with the visitor and was nervous beforehand.

]]> Sat, 09 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 на пальцах https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/na-paltsah https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/na-paltsah Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
~by fingers {adv. phr.}
показывать на пальцах или объяснять на пальцах
To explain sth. in a very simple and clear manner.
Не могли бы вы объяснить на пальцах, что такое "уровень Ферми"? — Could you explain in a very simple manner what the term "Fermi level" means?

]]> Fri, 08 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 из огня да в полымя https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_i/iz-ognya-da-v-polimya https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_i/iz-ognya-da-v-polimya Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
из огня да в полымя {proverb}
~ out of the frying pan into the fire

]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 на полном серьезе https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/na-polnom-serioze https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_n/na-polnom-serioze Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
на полном серьезе {adv. phr.} {informal}
na `polnom ser'`joze
Saying completely, absolutely seriously.

]]> Wed, 06 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 как без рук https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_k/kak-bez-ruk https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_k/kak-bez-ruk Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
как без рук {adv. phr.}
kak bez `ruk
{literary} like whithout hands
{colloquial} almost helpless, not capable of doing anything.

Путешественники не взяли с собой проводника, а без него в горах как без рук. (В. Каверин). — The travellers had no a guide, but being in mountains without one is like being without hands.

]]> Tue, 05 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 как раз https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_k/kak-raz- https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_k/kak-raz- Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
как раз {adv. phr.}
kak raz
1. Right, or just, or quite.
Just in time. — Как раз вовремя.
Quite (or just) the opposite. — Как раз наоборот.
2. See: в самый раз (1), to a T

]]> Mon, 04 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 оставлять с носом https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/ostavit-s-nosom https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_o/ostavit-s-nosom Russian Idioms A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
оставлять (кого-л.) с носом {v. phr.}
osta`vlyat' s `nosom
{literally} leave (smb.) with his gift (often mixed up with 'nose').
To trick smb. Make a fool of smb.
~leave holding the bag

Also {passive} оставаться с носом — to be tricked by smb.

Origin:

In Russian the word "tribute" (or gift) may sound like 'нос' (nose) which is derived from the verb 'подносить' — with one of the meanings "to bring and make a present", or even "bribe". Hence, we have a 'nose' like sounding, which have almost nothing with nose. The actual meaning of the noun 'нос' here is 'smt. that smb. has brought up as a gift'.
Tributes/gifts were very common in the earlier Russia — almost none of the affairs in the Moscow 'Prikaz' (Department) could be put forward to or completed without a gift to the official. The gifts were considered as a way to establish friendly relations with the official who was in power to resolve an action or complaint.
The ceremony of presenting the gift was an old tradition for the common people of Russia. The most tricky part was to guess right the wishes of the official so that an inappropriate present would not lose the officials' dignity. The worst that could happen was rejection of the gifts. In this case the suppliant was left with what he brought — his gift (that is "с носом"). Such gift rejection by an official meant general rejection and the whole affair failure for the suppliant.
In this case the suppliant was left "with nothing" (hence, there is a saying "остаться с носом", "уйти ни с чем", or "уйти не солоно хлебавши" ~ "come away none the wiser").

See also:
оставлять в дураках {informal}

]]> Sun, 03 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 смотреть в оба https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/smotret-v-oba https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/smotret-v-oba Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
смотреть в оба {v. phr.}
smotr'et' v oba
{literally} to look through both.

To look attentively; to be closely observant; to be on the alert; to be particularly watchful.

Comp.:
to keep one's eyes peeled/skinned.

See also:
(смотреть) во все глаза
все глаза проглядеть

]]> Sat, 02 May 2026 09:00:04 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying смотреть в оба  {v. phr.} smotr'et' v oba  {literally} to look through both. To look attentively; to be closely observant; to be on the alert; to be particularly watchful. Comp.: to keep one's eyes peeled/skinned. See also: (смотреть) во все глаза все глаза проглядеть#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying смотреть в оба  {v. phr.} smotr'et' v oba  {literally} to look through both. To look attentively; to be closely observant; to be on the alert; to be particularly watchful. Comp.: to keep one's eyes peeled/skinned. See also: (смотреть) во все глаза все глаза проглядеть сыграть в ящик https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/sigrat-v-yazhik https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/sigrat-v-yazhik Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
сыграть в ящик {colloquial} {slang} {v. phr.}
умереть
See also:
приказать долго жить

]]> Fri, 01 May 2026 09:00:03 +0300 плевать в потолок https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/plevat-v-potolok https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/plevat-v-potolok Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
плевать в потолок {v. phr.} {informal}
pl'e`vat' v poto`lok
To be lasy, idle, do nothing.

See: twiddle one's thumbs; goof off / goof around
Comp.: бить баклуши, считать мух

]]> Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 в ус не дуть https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/v-us-ne-dut https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/v-us-ne-dut Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
в ус не дуть {v. phr.}
v us ne dut'

{literally} do not blow through one's moustache.
~not care a straw (a rap).
Not to care abt. (or pay attention to, or be afraid of) smt. at all.
Not to express or reveal concern over smth.
Not to pay any attention to smth.
Often used in fairy-tails.

Есть в одном селе рыбак. — Вот действительно чудак! Он с рассвета до рассвета У воды сидит всё лето. Солнце жарит, Дождь бушует, А чудак и в ус не дует (Ю. Коринец).

]]> Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 то, что доктор прописал https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_t/to-chto-doctor-propisal https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_t/to-chto-doctor-propisal Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
то, что доктор прописал {n. phr.} {informal}
`to chto `doctor prop'i`sal
Exactly what is needed, required or wanted.
Eq.: just what the doctor ordered
See:
надо-б лучше, да нельзя,
в самый раз

]]> Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 в гробу видеть https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/v-grobu-videt https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/v-grobu-videt Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
в гробу видеть (видать) {v. phr.} {colloquial} {rude}
v gro`bu vi`dat'
{literally} ~ I've seen this in/from a coffin.
To have no wish to do (see, think about, etc.) sth.
Not to care a button (at all) about sth.
Да в гробу я видал все то, о чем он мне говорил! — I don't care a button about everything he told me!

]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:04 +0300 разводить руками https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_r/razvodit-rukami https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_r/razvodit-rukami Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
разводить руками {v. phr.}
razvo`dit' ru`kami
{literally} to part one's hands.

To demonstrate or experience the following feelings:
To be at a loss (do not know how to react);
Wonder at, to be surpised or be puzzled / perplexed.

Usually goes with hands down and being pulled apart.
"Когда он спросил врача, как он тут оказался, тот только развёл руками..." (К. Симонов). — "When he asked the doctor, how he found himself to be here, the man was at a loss (only pulled his hands apart)."

See also:
всплеснуть руками

]]> Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 затыкать за пояс https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_z/zatikat-za-poyas https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_z/zatikat-za-poyas Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
затыкать за пояс {v. phr.}
zatyi`kat' za `pojas
{perf.}: заткнуть за пояс (za`tknut' za `pojas).
{literally} to stick someone behind one's belt.

~ to surpass, to outstrip, to outdo smb, to win;
~ be one too many for smb; go one better than smb;
~ put to shame, leave far behind;

Comp.:
to outshine someone
knock someone into a cocked hat

Seem also:
переплюнуть обскакать обуть
Comp.:
задавать жару

]]> Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:00:02 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying затыкать за пояс  {v. phr.} zatyi`kat' za `pojas  {perf.}: заткнуть за пояс (za`tknut' za `pojas).  {literally} to stick someone behind one's belt. ~ to surpass, to outstrip, to outdo smb, to win; ~ be one too many for smb; go one better than smb; ~ put to shame, leave far behind; Comp.: to outshine someone knock someone into a cocked hat Seem also: переплюнуть обскакать обуть Comp.: задавать жару#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying затыкать за пояс  {v. phr.} zatyi`kat' za `pojas  {perf.}: заткнуть за пояс (za`tknut' za `pojas).  {literally} to stick someone behind one's belt. ~ to surpass, to outstrip, to outdo smb, to win; ~ be one too many for smb; go one better than smb; ~ put to shame, leave far behind; Comp.: to outshine someone knock someone into a cocked hat Seem also: переплюнуть обскакать обуть Comp.: задавать жару бальзам на душу https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/balzam-na-dushu https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_b/balzam-na-dushu Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
(лить) бальзам на душу {v. phr.}
(`lit') bal'`zam `na dushu

{literally} pour one's soul with a balm

1. make glad: ~ {informal} be a sight for sore eyes
2. to flatter, please: lay the flattering unction to smb's soul

Some good news are as a balm for one's soul. — Хорошие вести — как бальзам на душу.

Also:
как бальзам на душу {adv. phr.}

See also:
good news
бальзам для скорбного сердца

Contr.:
соль на рану

]]> Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 пороть горячку https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/porot-goryachku https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_p/porot-goryachku Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
{v. phr.}
to act or say something rashly.
Now, that's enough! Let's stop dashing about the flap and think this over. — Довольно! Давайте перестанем пороть горячку и все спокойно обдумаем.
See:
dash about in a flap

]]> Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 встать не с той ноги https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vstat-ne-s-toy-nogi https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_v/vstat-ne-s-toy-nogi Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
встать не с той ноги {v. phr.}
vstat' ne stoj no`gi
{literally} get up on the wrong leg.
Eq.: get up on the wrong side of the bed
The contract has not been signed, unfortunately. Apparently our partners have got up on the wrong side of the bed today. — К сожалению, контракт не был подписан. Наверное, наши партнеры сегодня встали не с той ноги.

]]> Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:03 +0300 no#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying встать не с той ноги  {v. phr.} vstat' ne stoj no`gi  {literally} get up on the wrong leg. Eq.: get up on the wrong side of the bed The contract has not been signed, unfortunately. Apparently our partners have got up on the wrong side of the bed today. — К сожалению, контракт не был подписан. Наверное, наши партнеры сегодня встали не с той ноги.#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying встать не с той ноги  {v. phr.} vstat' ne stoj no`gi  {literally} get up on the wrong leg. Eq.: get up on the wrong side of the bed The contract has not been signed, unfortunately. Apparently our partners have got up on the wrong side of the bed today. — К сожалению, контракт не был подписан. Наверное, наши партнеры сегодня встали не с той ноги. с бухты-барахты https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/s-buhti-barahti https://www.sky-net-eye.com/eng/russian-idioms/ri_s/s-buhti-barahti Russian Idioms

#LearnRussian #RussianIdiom #RussianSaying
с бухты-барахты {adv. phr.} {colloquial} {slang}
s `buhtyi-ba`rahtyi
Offhand; off the cuff; suddenly; without rhyme or reason.
Чего ты примчался как с бухты-барахты? — Why have you come tearing along, whithout rhyme or reason?
Comp.:
ни с того ни с сего
сдуру что с дубу {may be considered rude}
с дуба рухнуть {may be considered rude}

]]> Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:02 +0300