Only the one who runs catches up.

What it means

You cannot close a gap by standing still. Whoever is behind has to move faster than the one in front. If you are behind, run.

The source

"Only the one who runs catches up." 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.

"Кто бежит, тот и догоняет"

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 "Only the one who runs catches up." mean?

You cannot close a gap by standing still. Whoever is behind has to move faster than the one in front. If you are behind, run.

Who said "Only the one who runs catches up."?

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

What is the original Russian?

Кто бежит, тот и догоняет. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Only the one who runs catches up." on a shirt?

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

"Only the one who runs catches up." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Work — Idleness" («Работа — Праздность»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/only-the-one-who-runs-catches-up