по одежке протягивай ножки
по одежке протягивай ножки
cut your coat according to your cloth
المعنى
Live within your financial means.
خلفية ثقافية
In modern Russia, this proverb is often used as a critique of the 'credit boom' of the 2000s, where many people bought luxury cars and apartments they couldn't actually afford. During the Soviet era, when goods were scarce, this proverb was less about money and more about making the most of the limited resources/coupons one was allocated. In villages, this phrase is still taken quite literally sometimes, referring to the need to be careful with winter supplies and firewood. Russian startups often use this phrase when they are 'bootstrapping' (funding themselves without outside investors).
Use it for self-deprecation
If you can't afford something, using this proverb makes you sound wise and grounded rather than just 'broke'.
Don't use with 'Вы'
Even if you are being formal, the proverb usually stays as 'протягивай' (singular). Changing it to 'протягивайте' is correct but sounds less like a 'set phrase'.
المعنى
Live within your financial means.
Use it for self-deprecation
If you can't afford something, using this proverb makes you sound wise and grounded rather than just 'broke'.
Don't use with 'Вы'
Even if you are being formal, the proverb usually stays as 'протягивай' (singular). Changing it to 'протягивайте' is correct but sounds less like a 'set phrase'.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the proverb with the correct words in the correct case.
По _______ (одежка) протягивай _______ (ножки).
The preposition 'по' requires the Dative case ('одежке'), and the fixed form uses the diminutive 'ножки'.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Situation: Your cousin wants to take a huge loan to buy a luxury watch he doesn't need.
This proverb specifically addresses living within one's means and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Я хочу уволиться и поехать в кругосветное путешествие на последние деньги!' Speaker B: '_______'
Speaker B is giving financial advice to someone being reckless.
🎉 النتيجة: /3
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
3 تمارينПо _______ (одежка) протягивай _______ (ножки).
The preposition 'по' requires the Dative case ('одежке'), and the fixed form uses the diminutive 'ножки'.
Situation: Your cousin wants to take a huge loan to buy a luxury watch he doesn't need.
This proverb specifically addresses living within one's means and avoiding unnecessary debt.
Speaker A: 'Я хочу уволиться и поехать в кругосветное путешествие на последние деньги!' Speaker B: '_______'
Speaker B is giving financial advice to someone being reckless.
🎉 النتيجة: /3
الأسئلة الشائعة
3 أسئلةYes, but often ironically or when discussing serious financial topics like mortgages.
Only if you have a very close, friendly relationship with the recipient. Otherwise, it's too informal.
'Одежда' is the standard word for clothing. 'Одежка' is a diminutive, often used in folklore or to refer to humble, simple clothes.
عبارات ذات صلة
Жить на широкую ногу
contrastTo live in a grand style, spending lots of money.
По приходу и расход
synonymExpenses should match income.
Сводить концы с концами
similarTo make ends meet.
