Nie taki diabeł straszny jak go malują.
“The devil is not as terrible as he is painted.”
A feared situation is often less dangerous or difficult than it initially appears.
— Traditional Poland Wisdom, Poland
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Poland
A Pole is wise after the damage is done.
People often only understand what they should have done after they have already suffered the consequences of not doing it.
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Without work there are no cakes.
Nothing worthwhile or rewarding is achieved without effort.
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Still water breaks the banks.
Quiet, unassuming people or forces can be surprisingly strong and effective.
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A guest in the house, God in the house.
A guest should be welcomed and treated with the highest honour and hospitality.
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Do not praise the day before sunset.
Do not celebrate a success before it is fully and finally achieved.
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He who digs pits under others falls into them himself.
Those who scheme to harm others often end up harming themselves.
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