Akademik

Мал, да удал
A young or a short man has many merits or is capable of doing great things. See Мала метелка, да чисто метет (M), Мала птичка, да ноготок востер a (M), Мал золотник, да дорог (M), Муравей невелик, а горы копает (M), Не высок водоспуск, а реку держит (H), Рыба мелка, да уха сладка (P)
Cf: An inch is as good as an ell (Br.). A little axe cuts down big trees (Am..). Little bodies have great souls (Am.). Little bodies may have great souls (Br.). Little chips light great fires (Br.). A little key will open a large door (Am.). A little man may have a large heart (Am.). Little pigeons can carry great messages (Br.). A little rain stills a great wind (Am.). Small head, big ideas (Am.)

Русско-английский словарь пословиц и поговорок. . 2013.