Elementary Work & Effort Proverb

Глаза боятся, а руки делают

Glaza boyatsya, a ruki delayut

Literal translation

"The eyes are afraid, but the hands are doing"

English equivalent

"A task may seem intimidating, but you should just start working."

What does it mean?

The first step is the hardest

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When to use

Мне страшно начинать проект, но глаза боятся, а руки делают.

Example in use

Russian

I am scared to start the project, but I just have to begin.

Translation

Use this to motivate yourself or others when facing a large or scary task.

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Origin

Folk wisdom

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Full history & cultural context

This proverb captures the psychology of procrastination. It emphasizes that physical action often overcomes psychological fear.

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