Первый блин комом
Pervyi blin komom
Literal translation
"The first pancake is a lump"
English equivalent
"The first attempt at something is often unsuccessful."
What does it mean?
The first try is always a flop
When to use
Не расстраивайся, первый блин всегда комом.
Example in use
Russian
Don't be upset, the first try is always a flop.
Translation
Use this to comfort someone who failed their first attempt at a task.
Origin
Maslenitsa tradition
Full history & cultural context
Derived from the Russian pancake festival, Maslenitsa. The first pancake of a batch often fails because the pan isn't hot enough, creating a "lump" (kom). It is now a metaphor for the learning curve.
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