The ant is small, but it digs mountains.

What it means

Size matters less than steady work. A tiny creature that never stops moves more earth than a giant that sleeps. Do not wait to be big before you start.

The source

"The ant is small, but it digs mountains." 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.

"Муравей не велик, а горы копает."

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 "The ant is small, but it digs mountains." mean?

Size matters less than steady work. A tiny creature that never stops moves more earth than a giant that sleeps. Do not wait to be big before you start.

Who said "The ant is small, but it digs mountains."?

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

What is the original Russian?

Муравей не велик, а горы копает. Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "The ant is small, but it digs mountains." on a shirt?

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

"The ant is small, but it digs mountains." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Work — Idleness" («Работа — Праздность»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-ant-is-small-but-it-digs-mountains