The first blow is half the battle

Russian translation

Первый удар - это половина сражения.
Начало предрешает исход.

Derivation

Half the battle.

Variations

The first blow is as much as two.

Synonyms

It is the first stem that costs.
Well begun is half done.
A good beginning makes a good ending.

Comparison

Доброе начало полдела откачало.
Лиха беда начало.
Почин всего дороже.

Examples

He bids you mind, amid your thoughtless rattle,
That the first blow is ever half the battle. (Burns)

"You know my motto," said the G.O.C. is measured tones, "Look before you leap. All in good time. Through preparation is half the battle. I strongly advise you not to make any premature moves." (Kirst)

Mr. Hartog came back to his laugh. "You have a lovely wife. That's half the battle." "That's the whole battle." "Ethan, you'll make him think we fight." (Steinbeck)