The work fears the master.

What it means

A job that terrifies the beginner gives way to someone who knows the craft. Skill turns hard work into something that yields. Dal adds the sting: some masters fear the work instead.

The source

"The work fears the master." This Russian proverb is recorded in Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Learning — Knowledge" («Ученье — Наука»). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

"Дело мастера боится (а иной мастер дела боится)."

Original Russian, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Learning — Knowledge" («Ученье — Наука»). 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 work fears the master." mean?

A job that terrifies the beginner gives way to someone who knows the craft. Skill turns hard work into something that yields. Dal adds the sting: some masters fear the work instead.

Who said "The work fears the master."?

Russian proverb. Source: Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Learning — Knowledge" («Ученье — Наука»).

What is the original Russian?

Дело мастера боится (а иной мастер дела боится). Translated from the original Russian by Spartan Surfers.

Is "The work fears the master." on a shirt?

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

"The work fears the master." (Russian proverb, Dal, Proverbs of the Russian People (1862), "Learning — Knowledge" («Ученье — Наука»), translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/the-work-fears-the-master