болван
noun
Transcription (the accent is shown in capital letters):
[bal-VAN]
Translation / meaning:
doodle, blockhead
More explanations and examples here: Олух царя небесного
More from "Common Russian phrases"
-
something unexpected happened
-
the granddaughter of Russian Santa Claus
-
lit.: rarely but hitting the target Said about people who speak rarely but always sharp with their words.
-
you can expect this from him
The expression is used after describing an action that has a negative connotation. It implies that a decent and good person would not do such an action, but the person mentioned could easily do it.
also:
с тебя станется, с них станется, etc. -
luck
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≈ as good as new, in prime condition, fresh as a daisy
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I can't wait
-
bell rings; usually meant Kremlin bell that rings for the New Year
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