Proverbs say a lot about the culture they come from. Some proverbs translate well, others don't. The following is a selection of frequently used Russian proverbs that you might hear in everyday conversations. These proverbs represent a typical commentary on everyday activities. Don't be surprised to hear some variation in the wording of these proverbs in live speech; people adapt them to suit a particular situation or to represent a particular version that they learned from their family and friends.

A bad peace is better than a good quarrel. (An old adage used to keep peace in the family.)

The truth is good, but happiness is better. (Used to defend a white lie.)

Don't feed the dogs right before you go on a hunt. (Used to indicate that someone is doing something at a very late and inconvenient time, “haste makes waste.”)

You can't jump over your own head. (Used to explain the futility of trying to do too much.)

A fish rots from the head down. (Used to explain corruption in high places.)

Be trustful but be sure to double check! (Used to caution against being too trusting.)

A word is not a sparrow: you can't catch it when it flies away! (Used to justify careful, deliberate speech.)

Literally “eat while your mouth is still fresh.” (Enjoy your life while you are still young: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die.”)