под лежачий камень вода не течёт
под лежачий камень вода не течёт
nothing ventured, nothing gained
Meaning
you must act to achieve results
Cultural Background
The proverb is a direct attack on the concept of 'Oblomovshchina' (Oblomovism), named after the character in Goncharov's novel who spends his life on a sofa. It represents the 'active' side of the Russian character. During the Soviet era, this phrase was used in propaganda to discourage 'parasitism' and encourage workers to exceed their quotas. In the Russian-speaking tech world, this is often used to describe the need for 'networking' and 'personal branding.'
The Half-Proverb
To sound like a native, stop after 'под лежачий камень'. It makes you sound wise and less like you're reciting a textbook.
Don't be a jerk
Never use this with someone who is depressed or grieving. It will be taken as an insult to their character.
Meaning
you must act to achieve results
The Half-Proverb
To sound like a native, stop after 'под лежачий камень'. It makes you sound wise and less like you're reciting a textbook.
Don't be a jerk
Never use this with someone who is depressed or grieving. It will be taken as an insult to their character.
Test Yourself
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
Под лежачий камень вода не _______.
The verb 'течь' (to flow) is the standard part of this proverb.
In which situation is this proverb MOST appropriate?
Your friend wants to be a famous singer but only sings in the shower and never uploads videos or goes to auditions.
This situation describes a lack of initiative, which is exactly what the proverb addresses.
Choose the best response using the proverb.
- Я хочу выучить русский, но у меня нет времени на уроки. - Ну, ты же знаешь...
Both proverbs fit the context of needing effort, but 'под лежачий камень' is the most common response to someone making excuses.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesПод лежачий камень вода не _______.
The verb 'течь' (to flow) is the standard part of this proverb.
Your friend wants to be a famous singer but only sings in the shower and never uploads videos or goes to auditions.
This situation describes a lack of initiative, which is exactly what the proverb addresses.
- Я хочу выучить русский, но у меня нет времени на уроки. - Ну, ты же знаешь...
Both proverbs fit the context of needing effort, but 'под лежачий камень' is the most common response to someone making excuses.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, but often with a bit of irony or in a business context. It's not considered 'old-fashioned' in a bad way.
No, proverbs are fixed. If you change the words, it's no longer a proverb, just a weird sentence.
'No pain, no gain' implies suffering is necessary. The Russian proverb just implies that *action* is necessary.
Related Phrases
Без труда не выловишь и рыбку из пруда
synonymWithout effort, you won't even catch a fish.
Вода камень точит
similarWater wears away the stone.
Кто не работает, тот не ест
builds onHe who doesn't work, doesn't eat.
