дают - бери, бьют - беги

• ДАЮТ - БЕРИ, БЬЮТ - БЕГИ

[saying]

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⇒ accept what you are given, run away from what is harmful:

- ≈ don't refuse a gift, don't accept a blow;

- when offered something good accept it gratefully, when in danger beat a fast retreat;

- [when only the first half of the saying is used] take what you're given (and be thankful);

- don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

     ♦ "Берите [деньги], раз даю! Не на вовсе ведь. Взаймы". - "Конечно! В течение года я всё выплачу, Дуся. А может, расписку написать, чтобы тебе спокойней было?" - предложила я. По лицу тёти Дуси пробежало лёгкое раздражение. "Пословицу знаете: бьют - беги, дают - бери!.. Неужто не поверю на слово? Не первый день знаемся..."(Гинзбург 2). "Take it [the money], since I've given it to you! It's not as if I'm throwing the money away - it's on loan." "Of course! I'll pay it back within the year, Dusya. But perhaps you'd feel happier if I gave you a receipt," I ventured. A look of mild irritation flitted across Aunt Dusya's face. "You know the saying: 'Don't accept a blow, don't refuse a gift.'... You think I wouldn't take your word for it? We've known each other some time now..." (2a).