Never pick up the axe, never build the house.

What it means

Plans do not build anything. Until you take the tool in hand, the house exists only in your head. Pick up the axe.

The source

"Never pick up the axe, never build the house." This Russian proverb is recorded in Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Work — Idleness" («Работа — Праздность»). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

"Не бравшись за топор, избы не срубишь."

Original Russian, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Work — Idleness" («Работа — Праздность»). Text read at ru.wikisource.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "Never pick up the axe, never build the house." mean?

Plans do not build anything. Until you take the tool in hand, the house exists only in your head. Pick up the axe.

Who said "Never pick up the axe, never build the house."?

Russian proverb. Source: Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Work — Idleness" («Работа — Праздность»).

What is the original Russian?

Не бравшись за топор, избы не срубишь. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Never pick up the axe, never build the house." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Never pick up the axe, never build the house." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Work — Idleness" («Работа — Праздность»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/never-pick-up-the-axe-never-build-the