Main Piece: Russian Proverb

“Семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь.”

Phonetic: Sem’ raz otmer’, odin raz otrezh’.

Literal translation: Seven times measure, one time cut.

Actual meaning: Measure something seven times before cutting it once.

Background Information:

• Why does informant know this piece?

It was often told to him by his mother to encourage him to be more careful.

• Where did they learn this piece?

The Soviet Union

• What does it mean to them?

Before cutting something, or doing a project such as a piece of furniture, he makes sure to plan it out and measure everything carefully so that he does not mess up the project.

Context:

• Where?

Anywhere

• When?

When someone is doing an important project

• Why?

To encourage carefulness.

Personal Thoughts:

I have often heard this proverb growing up, and only ever realized how important it is to be careful and plan when doing things as I got older. Its very helpful when doing projects.