Russian Idioms: 11 Expressions That Don't Translate
Russian idioms can be quite tricky for learners because they often don't make sense when translated word-for-word. They reflect the culture and history of Russia, which adds another layer of complexity. Understanding these idioms can really help you sound more like a native speaker.
Idioms land when you say them
Reading an idiom does nothing. Say it out loud and get corrected. That is how real Russian sinks in.
11 Russian idioms worth knowing
Не всё то золото, что блестит
Literally: Not all that glitters is gold
Means: Not everything that looks good is actually good
Used to warn against judging by appearances.
Вешать лапшу на уши
Literally: To hang noodles on ears
Means: To deceive or fool someone
Used when someone is being tricked or misled.
Как с гуся вода
Literally: Like water off a goose
Means: To be unaffected by something
Used when someone is not bothered by criticism or trouble.
Делать из мухи слона
Literally: To make an elephant out of a fly
Means: To exaggerate a small problem
Used when someone is overreacting to a minor issue.
На безрыбье и рак рыба
Literally: In the absence of fish, even a crayfish is a fish
Means: In a lack of options, anything will do
Used when settling for less due to limited choices.
Собака на сене
Literally: A dog in the hay
Means: To prevent others from enjoying something you don't want
Used to describe selfish behavior.
Не вешай нос
Literally: Don't hang your nose
Means: Don't be sad or discouraged
Used to cheer someone up.
Лить воду на мельницу
Literally: To pour water on the mill
Means: To help someone else's cause
Used when someone inadvertently aids an opponent.
Кот наплакал
Literally: The cat cried
Means: Very little or almost nothing
Used to describe a tiny amount.
С глаз долой, из сердца вон
Literally: Out of sight, out of heart
Means: Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Used when someone forgets about someone else when they are not around.
На чужой каравай рот не разевай
Literally: Don't open your mouth for someone else's loaf
Means: Don't be greedy or expect something that isn't yours
Used to advise against envy.
One honest tip
Use idioms naturally in conversation; don't force them into every sentence.Don't memorize. Use them.
Idioms you only read stay stuck on the page. They come alive when you drop one into a real conversation. SPAIKING lets you practice real Russian with a coach that listens and corrects you. Two free conversations to start.
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Frequently asked questions
Why are idioms important in Russian?
Idioms enrich the language and help convey emotions and cultural nuances.