Latin Proverbs

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old Latin Proverbs, Latin quotes, and Latin sayings, collected over the years from a variety of sources. Enjoy reading these insights and feel free to share this page on your social media to inspire others.

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A bad father has never a good son.

A beardless boy would teach old men.

A beaten track is a safe one.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

A bird is distinguished by its note.

A biting cur wears a torn skin.

A blockhead, a dolt, a donkey, a leaden-headed fellow.

A blow from a frying-pan blacks, though it may not hurt.

A bow too much bent is broken.

A busybody is always malevolent.

A captive they insult with impunity.

A carpenter is known by his chips.

A cautious man will observe the indications of character which nature reveals in others.

A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.

A chair unsound Soon finds the ground.

A child may have too much of his mother’s blessing.

A clear conscience is a wall of brass.

A combined defence is the safest.

A common blot is held no stain.

A common shipwreck is a consolation to all.

A constant guest is never welcome.

A contented man is always rich.

A contented mind is a continual feast.

A cough assists a musician when he hesitates.

A cough will stick longer by a horse than a peck of oats.

A covetous man does nothing that he should till he dies.

A crooked log is not to be straightened.

A dealer in rubbish sounds the praises of rubbish.

A delightful hallucination.

A depraved mind never comes to good.

A diligent man ever finds that something remains to be done.

A dissimilarity of pursuits dissolves friendship.

A dog as he sleeps barks as if on the track of the hare.

A dog in a kennel barks at his fleas; a dog hunting does not notice them.

A dog is worthy of his food.

A dog that has once tasted the flesh cannot be kept from the skin.

A dog that will fetch a bone will carry a bone.

A dog which has been beaten with a stick is afraid of its shadow.

A donkey is known by his ears.

A door must be either shut or open.

A drop of luck is worth a cask of wisdom.

A drunken man, when asleep, is better left alone.

A faithless wife is shipwreck to a house.

A few things gained by fraud destroy a fortune otherwise honestly won.

A fire is nourished by its own ashes. – Latin Proverbs
[Difficulties embolden rather than impede the brave.]

A fisherman once stung will be wiser.

A fool repays a salve by a stab, and a stab by a salve. – Latin Proverbs
[He mistakes friends for foes and foes for friends.]

A fool talks of folly.

A fox is known by this tail.

A fox is not caught twice in the same trap.

A friend that will go to the scaffold with you.

A friend that you buy with presents, will be bought from you.

A gadding girl is rarely coy.

A good beginning ensures a good ending.

A good dinner helps deliberation.

A good dog deserves a good bone.

A good leader makes a good follower.

A good name is like sweet smelling ointment.

A good orator, but a very bad man.

A good thing is esteemed more in its absence than in its enjoyment.

A great anvil fears not noise.

A great city, a great desert.

A great dowry, a bed full of brambles.

A greedy mind is satisfied with no amount of gain.

A guest should not remain for ever a guest.

A happy life consists in virtue.

A hard knot requires a hard wedge.

A hard life but a healthy one.

A honey-comb in the mouth of a lion.

A horse deprived of his food won’t work.

A hungry ass needs not a blow.

A hungry man will listen to nothing.

A jackdaw among the muses.

A jealous woman will set a whole house on fire.

A joke should not be carried too far.

A kindness bestowed on the good is never thrown away.

A king or a slave.

A king, a master, a parent, a judge, may fail to frighten us; but sickness coming brings with it successful reproof.

A king’s castle is his home.

A king’s chaff is worth more than other men’s corn.

A learned man has always wealth in himself.

A lengthy sermon is intolerable.

A leopard cannot change his spots.

A leopard does not change his spots.

A letter once written cannot be recalled.

A liar is not believed when he speaks the truth. – Latin Proverbs
[Fable of boy and wolf.]

A light supper is beneficial.

A lion may be beholden to a mouse.

A lover should be regarded as a person demented.

A man as he manages himself may die old at thirty, or young at eighty.

A man devoid of religion is like a horse without a bridle.

A man if he lives alone is either a god or a demon.

A man in a passion rides a horse that runs away with him.

A man is a king in his own house.

A man is judged by his clothes.

A man is judged of by his companions.

A man is not where he lives, but where he loves.

A man may lose what are his clearest rights by not demanding them.

A man of few words but learned withal.

A man of good natural plain common sense.

A man of three letters, ” F U R.”

A man should be religious but not superstitious.

A middle course is the safest.

A mind conscious of guilt is its own accuser.

A mind conscious of innocence laughs at the lies of rumor.

A miser’s son is generally a spendthrift.

A monkey is not to be caught in a trap.

A mouse in pitch. – Latin Proverbs
[A man engaged in useless and perplexing inquiries.]

A mouse in time may bite in two a cable.

A mouse may help a lion.

A mouse relies not solely on one hole.

A mouse will put the finishing stroke to a castle wall.

A nail is driven out by another nail; habit is overcome by habit.

A nobody to-day, a prince to-morrow.

A nod for a wise man, and a rod for a fool.

A perfect whipping-top for changing sides.

A pestilence follows a famine.

A physician is an angel when employed, but a devil when one must pay him.

A picture is a poem wanting words.

A plank in a wreck.

A poor cask often holds good wine.

A poor joke must invent its own laughter.

A precipice in front of you, and wolves behind you; that is life.

A precipice is in front, a wolf behind.

A prospering man should remain at home.

A rich man is either a rogue or a rogue’s heir.

A ridiculous accident has often been the making of many.

A ring of gold in a sow’s nostril.

A rising tide lifts all boats.

A rogue says “Yes” to what a rogue says.

A rose is a rose is a rose.

A rotten egg cannot be spoiled.

A sceptre is one thing, a ladle another.

A service done to the unwilling is no service.

A sick mind cannot endure any harshness.

A silent woman is always more admired than a noisy one.

A slave yesterday, to-day a freedman.

A slice off a cut loaf isn’t missed.

A small competence is best.

A small gift, but well-timed.

A snake lies concealed in the grass.

A soft answer bids a Furioso to put up his sword.

A soft-spoken compliment is honied poison.

A store-house of evil is a woman if she is depraved.

A strong remedy for evils is ignorance of them.

A surgeon tries his experiments on the heads of orphans.

A suspicious mind sees everything on the dark side.

A swarm in May is worth a load of hay; a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon; but a swarm in July is not worth a fly.

A sword anointed with honey.

A sword of lead in a scabbard of ivory.

A tree often transplanted does not thrive.

A trifling pledge of no small friendship.

A triple rope is not easily broken.

A trouble shared is a trouble halved.

A troubled heart is a worm to the bones.

A useless pitcher does not get broken.

A want of pence stops all your marketing.

A weak foundation destroys the work.

A wealthy man can err with impunity.

A well which is drawn from is improved. – Latin Proverbs
[Art is improved by practice.]

A well-beaten path does not always make the right road.

A wheel not greased will creak. – Latin Proverbs
[Those who are not properly paid will not work without grumbling.]

A whistling woman and a crowing hen are neither fit for God nor men.

A white glove often conceals a dirty hand.

A wise man should never give his wife too much rein.

A wise man turns chance into good fortune.

A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds.

A wise man will make tools of what comes to hand.

A wolf often lies concealed in the skin of a lamb.

A wolf’s head.

A woman either loves or hates, there is no third course.

A woman for a general, and the soldiers will be women.

A woman hath nine lives like a cat.

A woman is to be from her house three times: when she is christened, married and buried.

A word is sufficient for the wise.

About everything and something else.

Abuse does not invalidate usefulness.

According to the nature of his sin shall a man be punished.

Acting in concert, like the oil-merchants in the Velabrum.

Acting is the forte of all their race.

Add not fire to fire.

Advice is not a popular thing to give.

After clouds sunshine.

After darkness comes light.

After the manner of Mandrabulus [i.e., going from worse to worse]. – Latin Proverbs

Again and again I beg and pray of you to live merrily: should aught distress you, dismiss it from your minds.

Aim at a certain issue.

Alas for those that get the worst of it.

Alas! how much smaller a thing it is to be with others, than to remember thee!

Alas. I suffer from self-inflicted wounds.

Alexander the Great was but of small stature.

All are not harpers, who hold the harp.

All claim kindred with the prosperous.

All clouds are not rain clouds.

All flute-players are mad; when once they begin to blow, away goes reason.

All for one and one for all.

All is in vain unless Providence is with us.

All is not false which is publicly reported.

All lay load on the willing horse.

All men grieve, and if you ask them the reason why, they cannot tell it.

All power is impatient of a partner.

All that meal comes not from your own sack.

All the hours wound you, the last one kills.

All the hours wound, the last one kills.

All things are cause for either laughter or weeping.

All things are easy that are done willingly.

All things are not good for all.

All things are possible with God.

All things change, and we change with them. – Latin Proverbs
[Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis.]

All things come not to pass which the mind has conceived.

All things come to those who wait.

Always speak well of the dead.

Among the blind a one-eyed man is a king.

An aching for wine–a wine-ache.

An ancient custom, not of to-day or yesterday.

An ape is an ape, though decked with gold.

An ape’s an ape, a varlet’s a varlet, though they be clad in silk and scarlet.

An ass is beautiful in the eyes of an ass; a sow in those of a sow; and every race is attractive to itself.

An eel, held by the tail, is not yet caught.

An elephant does not catch mice.

An empty vessel makes the most sound.

An evil comes from a neighbouring evil.

An evil conscience breaks many a man’s neck.

An evil doer abhors the light of day.

An evil gain is equal to a loss.

An excess of caution does no harm.

An idle youth becomes in age a beggar.

An industrious life is the best security for food in old age.

An inquisitive man is always ill-natured.

An insolent lord is not a gentleman.

An object of pity even to a foe.

An old ape hath an old eye.

An old fox is not caught in a snare.

An old fox is not to be caught in a trap.

An old fox understands the trap.

An old lion is better than a young ass.

An old woman dancing makes a great dust. – Latin Proverbs
[Anything out of season is obnoxious.]

An old woman would dance.

An onion will not produce a rose.

An opportunity is found with difficulty and easily lost.

An uncalled-for defence becomes a positive accusation.

An ungrateful man is a tub full of holes.

An unguarded speech reveals the truth.

And Modesty, who, when she goes, Is gone for ever.

Anger is a transient madness.

Antiquity is entitled to respect.

Anxious about the shoe, but disregarding the foot.

Any man can steer in a calm.

Apples taste sweetest when they are going.

Are you not accustomed to look at home, when you abuse others?

Arms are of little service abroad unless directed by the wisdom of counsellors at home.

Arrogance is intolerable.

Art has no enemy except ignorance.

As a man has lived, so will he die.

As long as you are fortunate, you will have many friends.

As numerous as the leaves of the oak, or the waves which wash the island.

As the tree is known by its fruit, so is the wicked man by his deeds.

As to the juror or the witness, bribe both.

As to what is future, even a bird with a long neck cannot see it, but God only.

As you behave towards others, expect that others will behave to you.

As you have arranged the thread so must you weave it.

Assistance given when it is not required, is as bad as an injury.

At once a good general and a stout soldier.

At the bar of one’s own conscience.

Attempt nothing beyond your strength. – Latin Proverbs

Avoid bawling in conversation or in play.

Avoid gambling.

Avoid strife with those in power.

Away with grieving, only fit for women.

Bad beginnings lead to bad results.

Bad fowl, bad egg.

Bad head, bad heart.

Bad hen, bad egg.

Bad is want which is born of plenty.

Bashfulness will not avail a beggar.

Be angry with a murderer, but keep your compassion for his victim.

Be brave, not ferocious.

Be mine; I will be thine.

Be not unmindful of obligations conferred.

Be old betimes that thou may’st long be so.

Be old betimes, if you wish your old age to last.

Be old when young, if you would be young when old.

Be on your guard against a silent dog and still water.

Be what you appear to be. – Latin Proverbs
[Act up to the reputation which you enjoy.]

Be what you would seem to be.

Beads about the neck, and the devil in his heart.

Bear no malice.

Bear with others and you shall be borne with.

Bear won’t bite bear.

Beautiful things are secured with most difficulty.

Being but a woman, raise not the sword.

Being on sea, sail; being on land, settle.

Being warned, let us pursue a better course.

Believe him who speaks from experience.

Believe no man more than yourself when you are spoken of. – Latin Proverbs
[Let your own conscience be a check against the effect of the flattery of others.]

Believe not that all that shines is gold.

Believe not that the stream is shallow because its surface is smooth.

Believe nothing and be on your guard against everything.

Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see.

Believe that you have it, and it is yours.

Believe that you have it, and you will have it.

Bend the willow while it is young.

Benefits grow old betimes, but injuries are long livers.

Benefits please like flowers, when they are fresh.

Benefits, like flowers, please most when they are fresh.

Better late than never.

Better take time.

Beware of a man of one book.

Beware of a silent dog and still water.

Beware of the dog.

Beware the tyranny of the minority.

Beware what you say, when, and to whom

Birds fly not into our mouths ready roasted.

Birds in their little nests agree.

Bold in design, but timid in execution.

Bold resolution is the favourite of providence.

Boldly ventured is half won.

Boldness in business is the first, second, and third thing.

Bolt a door with a boiled carrot.

Bones snatched from the mouth of a hungry dog.

Both are the better for their mutual friendship.

Brag’s a good dog, but Holdfast’s a better.

Branches may be trained; not the trunk.

Brave men lived before Agamemnon.

Brevity is pleasing.

Brevity is the soul of wit.

Bribes will enter without knocking.

Bright enough in the dark, dull in time of day.

Bring not a bagpipe to a man in trouble.

Build but one nest in one tree.

But now I was a rich man, three things have left me bare; dice, wine, and women, these three have made me poor.

By a brave endurance of unavoidable evils, we conquer them.

By doing nothing men learn to do evil.

By fair means or foul.

By good means or bad.

By good nature and kindness even fierce spirits become tractable.

By hook or by crook.

By hook or crook.

By ignorance we mistake, and by mistakes we learn.

By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn.

By much laughter you detect the fool.

By perseverance the Greeks reached Troy.

By pleasing, while we instruct.

By repeated blows even the oak is felled.

By speedy, not by slow measures.

By submitting to an old insult you invite a new one.

By suppers more have been killed than Galen ever cured.

By the familiarity of the master the servant is spoilt.

By the sword she seeks peaceful quiet under liberty. – Latin Proverbs
[Ense petit placidam sub libertate quietem.]

By what servant is his master better loved than by his dog?

By writing you learn to write.

Caesar’s wife should be above suspicion.

Calumniate strongly and some of it will stick.

Candour breeds hatred.

Carthage must be destroyed.

Catch the opportunity.

Catching’s before hanging.

Cautious in small matters, careless in great.

Cease your jests, there is no joke in being ill-natured.

Censure pardons the ravens but rebukes the doves.

Chalk is the pen of fools, walls their paper.

Choose a wife from among your equals.

Clodius impeaches the adulterers.

Close sits my shirt, but closer my skin.

Colewort twice cooked.

Compete not with a friend.

Confound those who have anticipated us in what we would have said!

Conscience betrays guilt.

Conscience is as a thousand witnesses.

Consider how long the winter will last.

Consideration gets as many victories as rashness loses.

Consideration is the parent of wisdom.

Consideration should be shown to a novice.

Constant dripping wears away the rock.

Constant dropping wears away a stone.

Contrasts mutually set off each other.

Conversation ministers to a mind diseased.

Conviviality reveals secrets.

Correct a wise man, and he will be grateful; correct a fool, and he will not only give a deaf ear, but send you off with a flea in your ear.

Courage is the mistress and queen of all virtues.

Court not companionship with tigers.

Courts grant not their favours as men are good and deserving.

Covet not the property of others.

Cowards win no laurels.

Cultivate not a barren soil.

Cultivate the garden within.

Danger can never be overcome without taking risks. – Latin Proverbs

Danger is never conquered without danger. – Latin Proverbs
[Numquam periculum sine periculo vincitur.]

Dawn is the friend of the muses.

Dead men do not bite.

Death brings to a level spades and sceptres.

Death cancels everything but truth.

Death defies the doctor.

Death is common to all.

Death is preferable.

Death is the great leveller.

Death snatches away the most deserving, and leaves the wicked.

Death to the wolf is life to the lambs.

Deeds not words are required.

Deliberate often — decide once.

Deliberate slowly, execute quickly.

Deliberation often loses a good chance.

Desire nothing that would bring disgrace.

Desire of glory is the last garment that even wise men put off.

Desires are nourished by delays.

Despise not the weak: the gnat stings the eyes of the lion.

Despise school and remain a fool.

Different men like different things.

Different pursuits suit different ages.

Different strokes for different folks.

Differing in words, not in reality. – Latin Proverbs
[A verbal, not an actual difference.]

Divide and rule.

Do as I say, not as I do.

Do as you would be done unto.

Do business best when the wind’s in the west.

Do chattering monkeys mimic men, Or we, turned apes, out-monkey them?

Do not give an opinion until it is asked for.

Do not lengthen the quarrel while there is an opportunity of escaping.

Do well and have well.

Don’t sing your triumph before you have conquered.

Don’t be frightened at high-sounding words.

Don’t do that of which you doubt the propriety.

Don’t draw another’s bow, don’t ride another’s horse, don’t mind another’s business.

Don’t tell a secret to anybody, unless you want the whole world to know it.

Don’t that just butter your grits.

Doth the moon on high care for the barking of a dog?

Double charging will break a cannon.

Dropping water makes the rock hollow, not by its force, but by constant action.

Drown not thyself to save a drowning man.

Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.

Drunkenness makes some men fools, some beasts, and some devils.

Dry bread at home is better than roast meat abroad.

Each hour injures, the last one slays.

Each man has his peculiar hobby.

Each man makes his own shipwreck.

Each man’s character shapes his fortunes.

Early ripe, early rotten.

Early rising is most conducive to health.

Early, not late remedies are the most effective.

Eat well, drink in moderation, and sleep sound, in these three good health abound. – Latin Proverbs

Education is the poor man’s haven.

Eels become accustomed to skinning.

Either a ship or a tuft of feathers.

Either by might or by sleight.

Either Caesar, or nobody.

Either never attempt a thing or carry it out.

Eloquence avails nothing against the voice of gold.

Empty expressions. Bombast.

Empty pitchers ring loudest.

Empty the glass if you would judge of the drink.

Emulation begets emulation.

Emulation is the whetstone of talent.

England is the paradise of women, the hell of horses, and the purgatory of servants.

England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity.

Enjoying the fruits of the labour of others.

Enough, even to loathing.

Enter not at all, or else pass through.

Envy is the companion of glory.

Envy never has a holiday.

Envy no man.

Envy waits on boasting.

Even a boy can beat a man when bound.

Even a child may beat a man that’s bound.

Even a fly can show temper.

Even a fool sometimes speaks to the purpose.

Even a hair hath its shadow.

Even a hare will insult a dead lion.

Even a mangy camel will carry more that a herd of asses.

Even a straw becomes heavy, if you carry it far enough.

Even after a bad harvest there must be sowing.

Even hares insult a dead lion.

Even Jupiter himself cannot be in love and wise at the same time.

Even light takes a decade to travel ten light-years.

Even the ant hath its anger.

Even the beggar envies the beggar.

Even the fear of death is dispelled by music.

Even the fountains thirst.

Even the gods are conciliated by offerings.

Even the rustling of leaves will alarm the hare.

Even the smallest spark shines brightly in darkness.

Ever receive a present with approbation.

Every advantage has its disadvantage. – Latin Proverbs

Every great thing only consists of many small particles united.

Every innovation startles us more by its novelty than it benefits us by its utility.

Every little blade of grass declares the presence of God.

Every lover is a slave: he follows captive at his mistress’s heels.

Every madman thinks all other men mad.

Every man for himself.

Every man has his peculiar habit.

Every man judges of others by himself.

Every man rejoices in his peculiar study.

Every man who can blow a horn is not a huntsman.

Every man’s sin falls on his own head.

Every may-be hath a may-be not.

Every reproach against an accused man is contemptible.

Every sheet has parted. – Latin Proverbs
[Every hope has vanished.]

Every soil does not bear the same fruit. – Latin Proverbs

Every stone conceals a lurking scorpion. – Latin Proverbs

Every suitor is not a heart breaker. – Latin Proverbs

Every virtue is but half way between two vices. – Latin Proverbs

Everybody has a name, but not always the same luck with it.

Everyone is eloquent in his own cause.

Everyone is given the key to the gates of Heaven. The same key opens the gates of Hell.

Everything beautiful is loveable.

Everything has its season.

Evils follow each other.

Excess in anything becomes a vice.

Excess of delight palls the appetite.

Excess of obligations may lose a friend.

Experience is the best teacher.

Experience purchased by suffering teaches wisdom.

Experience without learning is better than learning without experience.

Explaining what is obscure by what is still more obscure.

Extreme law, extreme injustice.

Fain would the cat fish eat, But she is loth to wet her feet.

False in one respect, never trustworthy.

Far from Jupiter, far from his thunder.

Fashion is more powerful than any tyrant.

Favours should never be forced upon others against their will.

Fear increasing age, for it does not come without companions.

Fear not a jest. If one throws salt at you, you will not be harmed unless you have sore places.

Feigned love is worse than hatred.

Fetters of gold are still fetters, and silken cords pinch.

Fight with silver spears, and you will overcome everything.

Figs he calls figs, a spade a spade. – Latin Proverbs
[Said of a man who speaks with sincerity and means what he says.]

Fill your garners, harvest lasts not for ever.

Find a cruel man and you see a coward.

Find words butter no parsnips.

Find you without an excuse, and find a hare without a meuse.

Finders keepers losers weepers.

Findings keepings.

Fire is next akin to smoke.

Fire will not put out fire. Anger is not appeased by anger.

Fire, the sea, and woman; these are three ills.

Fire, water, and government know nothing of mercy.

Flies, dogs. and mimics are the first to rush to the dish.

Flight towards preferment will be but slow without some golden feathers.

Fling him into the Nile, and he will come up with a fish in his mouth.

For a paltry gift, little thanks.

For God and our country.

For our altars and our hearths.

For the king, the laws and the people.

For the last comer the bones.

Force not favours on the unwilling.

Forget not that you are a man.

Forgetting trouble is the way to cure it.

Fortunate is he whom the dangers of others have rendered cautious.

Fortune and the arts assist each other.

Fortune enriches or tramples on us at her will.

Fortune favors the bold, but abandons the timid.

Fortune favours fools.

Fortune fears the brave and crushes the cowardly.

Fortune helps the brave.

Fortune is fickle and soon asks back what he has given.

Fortune smiles on the brave, and frowns upon the coward.

Fortune to one is mother, to another step-mother.

Fortune wearies with carrying one and the same man always.

Fraud lurks in loose generalities.

Friends become foes, and foes are reconciled.

Friends have all things in common.

Friendship lasts as long as the pot boils.

From a pure source pure water comes.

From a simple spark there will often be produced a great conflagration.

From his silence a man’s consent is inferred.

From one you may judge of the whole.

From our ancestors come our names, but from our virtues our honours.

From small things a great heap is made.

From the miseries of others he fears for his own position.

From the old ox the young one learns to plough.

From trifling causes great results arise.

From what has taken place we infer what is about to happen.

Frugality is a great revenue.

Frugality is an estate alone.

Fruit ripens not well in the shade.

Full feasting breeds ferocity.

Full of courtesy, full of craft.

Gather flowers while the morning sun lasts.

Gather thistles, expect prickles.

Gently but firmly.

Gently, not by force.

Give a helping hand to a man in trouble.

Give assistance, and receive thanks lighter than a feather: injure a man, and his wrath will be like lead.

Give ear and weigh the matter well.

Give ear to that man who has four ears.

Give to each man that which is his due.

Give way to him with whom you contend; by doing so you will gain the victory.

Give wine to them that are in sorrow.

Glory is the shadow of virtue.

God sends enough to all.

God sends meat, but the Devil sends cooks.

God will be present, whether asked or not.

Gold is proved by fire.

Good debts become bad unless called in.

Good health and good sense are two great blessings.

Good luck lasts not for ever.

Good things soon find a purchaser.

Govern your passions, or they will govern you.

Great discomfort arises from too hearty a supper: if you would enjoy a tranquil sleep let your supper be a light one.

Great fish feed on the lesser.

Grieve not for that which is irreparably lost.

Grieving for misfortunes is adding gall to wormwood.

Grind with every wind.

Grow where you are planted.

Habit causes love.

Habit gives readiness.

Habit in sinning takes away the sense of sin.

Habit is second nature.

Had he not been visited by sickness, he would have perished utterly.

Happiness invites envy.

Happy are one-eyed men in the country of the blind.

Happy is the man who is out of debt.

Happy is the man whose father went to the devil.

Happy the man who keeps out of strife.

Happy’s the wooing that is not long a-doing.

Hard by a river he digs a well.

Hard cases make bad law.

Hard is the path from poverty to renown.

Hard things alone will not make a wall.

Harsh is the voice which would dismiss us, but sweet is the sound of welcome.

Haste manages all things badly.

Haste trips up its own heels.

Hate knows no age but death.

Hatred is a settled anger.

Have a care how you irritate the wasps. – Latin Proverbs
[Meddle not with waspish people. Attack not a combined force.]

Have a care not to commence an undertaking of which you may repent.

Have a care of a silent dog and a still water.

Have confidence, but beware in whom.

Having achieved your purpose, seek not to undo what has been done.

Having mastered the lesser difficulties, you will more safely venture on greater achievements.

Hay is more acceptable to an ass than gold.

Hay smells different to lovers and horses.

He acts wisely who says little.

He alone is wise who can accommodate himself to all the contingencies of life; but the fool contends, and is struggling, like a swimmer, against the stream.

He argues in vain who argues without means.

He assumes a cheerful countenance suppressing the grief which weighs heavily on his heart.

He can carry the ox who has carried the calf.

He catches the best fish who angles with a golden hook.

He catches the wind with a net.

He confesses his guilt who flies from his trial.

He conquers who conquers himself.

He dies before he is old who is wise before his day.

He dies twice who perishes by his own hand.

He does not show a decent quality even over a good dinner.

He does not sing his father’s songs.

He does not think milk-and-water of himself.

He does not think small beer of himself.

He drives out one devil by another.

He either wheedles by suasive means or terrifies by threats.

He even begrudges the water with which he washes.

He falls into the pit which he himself made.

He falls short of his duty to both who tries to serve two masters.

He fears neither the earthquake nor the fury of the waves.

He fears the very flies.

He feigns death like a panther.

He fell to-day, I may fall to-morrow.

He fights with spirit as well as with the sword.

He fishes in troubled waters.

He fishes well who uses a golden hook.

He flourishes by hereditary renown.

He forgets himself.

He gets his wisdom cheaply who gets it at another’s cost.

He getteth a great deal of credit, who payeth but a small debt.

He gives neither too little, nor too much.

He gives too late who waits to be asked.

He gives well and bountifully who accompanies the gift with a pleasing look.

He giveth twice who giveth in a trice.

He goes beyond the bounds.

He goes not out of his way that goes to a good inn.

He has eyes in the back of his head.

He has left no means untried.

He has not even a clod of earth left to cover his remains.

He has not leisure even to scratch his ears.

He has sprung up like a mushroom.

He has tasted of the lotus.

He hath not a farthing left wherewith to buy a rope to hang himself.

He invokes heaven if a flea bites him.

He is a fool who spares the children after having killed the father.

He is a wise man who accommodates himself to all circumstances.

He is but a poor husbandman, who sows in sand.

He is caught in his own snare.

He is consumed by a vain hope.

He is full of sweet faults.

He is his own enemy.

He is his own trumpeter.

He is hunting for water in the sea.

He is indeed a conqueror who conquers himself.

He is looking out for a fig.

He is not happy who does not realize his happiness.

He is separated from the water by a plank.

He is the architect of his own fortunes.

He is the best gentleman, who is the son of his own deserts.

He is unworthy of life who gives no life to another.

He is wise in vain who does not use his wisdom for his own advantage.

He is wise to no purpose, who is not wise for himself.

He is wise, who suits himself to the occasion.

He keeps watch over a good castle who has guarded his own constitution.

He knows the roads by which he has escaped before.

He labors in vain who tries to please everybody.

He labors vainly, who endeavors to please every person.

He labours in vain who attempts to please everybody.

He makes a lion of a mouse.

He makes his home where the living is best. – Latin Proverbs

He makes idle boasting.

He moistens the lips, but leaves the palate dry.

He opens the theatre, and immediately closes it.

He ploughs the land of others, and leaves his own untilled.

He prepares evil for himself who plots mischief for others.

He puts up with small annoyances to gain great results.

He rises early that is hanged before noon.

He says what is wholly irrelevant.

He seeks renown by public applause.

He seeks to live like a parasite.

He shaves close to the skin.

He should have a long spoon who sups with the devil.

He sings his own praises.

He spends the happiest life who knows nothing.

He suffers from the same disease.

He suffocates me with kindness.

He talks to a dead man.

He talks to the wind.

He tells a tale of a tub.

He tells me my way, and knows not his own.

He that flies may fight another day.

He that follows freits, freits will follow him.

He that gapeth until he be fed, Well may he gape until he is dead.

He that gives bad counsel suffers most by it.

He that gives time to resolve, gives time to deny, and warning to prevent.

He that has been hurt, fears.

He that has time and looks for more, loses time. – Latin Proverbs

He that would live for aye, must eat sage in May.

He thinks nothing right, but what he does himself.

He took care to enjoy himself as long as life lasted.

He travels fastest who travels alone.

He unravels the enigmas of the Sphinx.

He utters in his language something different from what he ponders in his mind.

He who blows his nose too hard makes it bleed.

He who cannot conceal his sentiments, knows not how to live.

He who cannot do what he wishes, must needs do as he can.

He who cannot even manage a yacht asks for a ship of burthen.

He who does not advance recedes.

He who does not fully speak the truth is a traitor to it.

He who does not speak the whole truth is a traitor to truth.

He who endures with patience is a conqueror.

He who envies his admits his inferiority.

He who fears every bramble should not go to the woods.

He who follows two hares loses both.

He who gives himself airs of importance, exhibits the credentials of impotence.

He who has come to the mill first does not grind last.

He who has great strength should use it lightly.

He who has once used deception will deceive again.

He who has plenty of pepper may season his food as he likes.

He who has received a kindness forgets it; he who has been injured remembers it.

He who has tried it, is afraid of it.

He who hastens to be rich will not be without fault.

He who hastens too much stumbles and falls.

He who hath lost his good name how shall he in future gain his living.

He who hath much peas may put the more in the pot.

He who increases knowledge increases sorrow. – Latin Proverbs

He who is first in time has the prior right.

He who is in love with himself need fear no rival.

He who is not lucky, let him not go to sea.

He who knows not how to employ his leisure hath more cares on his mind than the most busy of busily-engaged men.

He who lies on the ground cannot fall.

He who lives by medical treatment has but a wretched existence.

He who loves a one-eyed girl thinks that one-eyed girls are beautiful.

He who makes too much haste gains his end later.

He who owes nothing fears not the sheriff’s officer.

He who oweth is all in the wrong.

He who paints the flower cannot paint its fragrance.

He who restrains his anger overcomes his greatest enemy.

He who seeks a reason for everything subverts reason. – Latin Proverbs

He who sins when drunk will have to atone for it when sober.

He who spares the rod hates his son.

He who takes it to himself, he it is who has done the act.

He who takes the profit ought also to take the labour.

He who waits till an opportunity occurs may wait for ever.

He who walks with the lame learns how to limp.

He who would catch is caught.

He who would speak well should well consider his subject beforehand.

He will die before he’s old who’s wise before his time.

He will embark in litigation, even if a donkey has bitten his dog.

He won’t give us so much as the skin.

He writes with an iron pen.

He, who denies his faults, makes no atonement for them.

He, who neglects the little, loses the greater.

He, who shareth honey with the bear, hath the least part of it.

Hear all, say nothing.

Hear all, see all, say nowt, tak’ all, keep all, gie nowt, and if tha ever does owt for nowt do it for thysen.

Hear both sides of a question.

Hear, see, and be silent.

Hearing he hears not. He is deaf to entreaty.

He’d skin a louse, and send the hide and fat to market.

Help by actions, not by words.

Help him who is willing to work, not him who shrinks from it.

Hercules himself could not cope with two assailants.

Hidden valour is as bad as cowardice.

Him whom Jove would destroy he first deprives of his reason.

His heart fell down to his heels.

His illness is more mental than bodily.

His presents conceal a baited hook.

His tongue says little, but powerful is his right arm.

His wit got wings and would have flown, But poverty still kept him down.

History repeats itself.

Hitherto I gave you credit for having horns.

Holyday time will not last forever.

Home is home though it’s never so homely.

Home is home, as the Devil said when he found himself in the Court of Session.

Home is home, be it ever so humble.

Honesty with poverty is better than ill-gotten wealth.

Honey catches more flies than vinegar.

Honey catches most flies.

Honey cloys.

Honey-tongued, soft spoken, malicious, and unprincipled in conduct.

Honourable words by the bushel.

Honour’s onerous.

Hope gives strength and courage, and saves an otherwise dying man from his grave.

Hope is a good breakfast but a bad supper.

Hope is our only comfort in adversity.

Hope supports men in distress.

Hope sustains the farmer.

Hopes delayed hang the heart upon tenter-hooks.

How changed from what he was.

How great the sufferings we endure.

How many accidents keep human life a rolling.

How much do we resemble that filthy brute the ape.

How near to guilt without actual guilt.

How quickly with all is a kindness forgotten.

How to live happily, not luxuriously, is the question.

How you come by it no one asks; but wealth you must have.

However extravagant men’s desires, they hope to see them gratified.

Hunger and delay raise up anger.

Hunger and thirst scarcely kill any, But gluttony and drink kill a great many.

Hunger is the best cook.

Hunger sharpens anger.

Hunger sweetens everything but itself.

Hunger teaches us many a lesson.

Hypocritical piety is double iniquity.

I am in a fix.

I am in a place where three ways meet.

I am less concerned about them than about the croaking frogs in the marsh.

I am recommending you to do what I should do myself.

I am touched but not broken by the waves.

I am what you will be, I was what you now are.

I am willing but unable.

I bear the laurel-branch.

I beggar is not favoured even by his relations.

I came, I saw, I won.

I cannot get on with you, or without you.

I don’t want the cheese, I just want to get out of the trap.

I have lost my labour and my cost.

I have other fish to fry.

I have washed my hands of it.

I kill the boars, but another eats the flesh.

I know Simon, and Simon knows me.

I prefer death to disgrace.

I regret that I have given what I have.

I see the better course and approve of it; I follow, alas. the worse.

I shall paint you in your own colours.

I shall speak facts; but some will say I deal in fiction.

I simply state what I have heard.

I speak of garlic, you reply about onions.

I too am not powerless, and my weapons strike hard.

I wince to win.

I wish I were at home.

I would not purchase it at the price of a rotten nut.

I would rather be in an apple-tree, than a bad man in distress.

I would rather buy than beg.

Idleness is ever the root of indecision.

Idleness ruins the constitution.

If a man falls in love with a frog, he thinks his frog a very Diana.

If all men were on an equality, the consequence would be that all must perish: for who would till the ground? who would sow it? Who would plant? who would press wine?.

If being well bearded brings happiness. a he-goat must be happier than any of us.

If better were within, better would come out.

If doctors fail thee, be these three thy doctors–Rest, cheerfulness, and moderate diet.

If flesh is not to be had, fish must content us.

If he should ask for wine, box his ears.

If I wrestle with a filthy thing, win or lose, I shall be defiled.

If ifs and ands were pots and pans there’d be no work for tinkers.

If ifs and ands were pots and pans, there’d be no work for tinkers’ hands.

If it pleases you, it does not displease me.

If poor, act with caution.

If the head aches all the members of the body suffer.

If the lion’s skill will not do, we must sew on that of the fox.

If the mother had never been in the oven, she would not have looked for her daughter there.

If the mountain will not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go to the mountain.

If the mountain will not go to Mahomet, let Mahomet go to the mountain.

If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.

If there is no wind, row.

If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character.

If there were clouds we should not enjoy the sun.

If you always live with those who are lame, you will yourself learn to limp.

If you are contented with your lot, you will live wisely.

If you be a jester, keep your wit till you have use for it.

If you cannot drive an ox, drive a donkey.

If you care for the court, the court will bring cares for you.

If you desire peace, be ever prepared for war. – Latin Proverbs

If you say that he is guilty of ingratitude, you need say no more.

If you sit on a seat, and that seat is a comfortable seat, sit on that seat, and do not leave that seat.

If you snooze, you loose.

If you strike a goad with your fist, your hand will suffer most.

If you wish another to keep your secret, first keep it yourself.

If you would resemble the vulture, look out for a carcase.

If your conduct be noble, you will be a king.

Ignorance is not privileged by titular degrees.

Ill weeds grows apace.

Ill words are bellows to a slackening fire.

Ill-doers, ill-deemers.

Imitate the snail in deliberation, the bird in execution.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Immortal glory waits on talent.

Impatience does not diminish but augments the evil.

Imperceptibly the hours glide on, and beguile us as they pass.

In avoiding Charybdis, he falls into Scylla.

In avoiding that which is evil I have found that which is good.

In chatter a river, in understanding but a single drop.

In courtship a man pursues a woman until she catches him.

In every pomegranate a decayed pip is to be found.

In flying from one enemy you encounter another.

In forming new friendships, forget not old friends.

In misfortune we need help, not lamentation.

In prosperity look out for squalls.

In prosperity you may count on many friends; if the sky becomes overcast you will be alone.

In the great sea fish is always to be caught.

In the midst of our mirth some annoyance always arises to vex us.

In the snare laid for others is your foot taken.

In the very act of committing an offence.

In time of prosperity consider how you will bear adversity.

In time of prosperity, friends will be plenty, In time of adversity, not one amongst twenty.

In time of sickness man is ever on his best behaviour.

In times of peace we should think of war.

In vain does a man possess property if he makes no use of it.

In vain the net is spread in the sight of the bird.

Indulge not in boisterous mirth.

Injuries destroy affection.

Injuries put us on our guard.

Injuries, when treated with contempt, vanish and have no effect. If you show anger their effect would appear to be acknowledged.

Instead of a fish he gives you a scorpion.

Instead of a treasure, coals.

Interfere not in the quarrels of others.

Into every life a little rain must fall.

Into the mouth of a bad dog falls many a good bone.

It does not fall to the lot of all to smell of musk.

It doubles the value of a gift to be well-timed.

It early pricks that will he a thorn.

It flies at our approach but follows us as we retire.

It flies gently, but wounds deeply.

It hangs by a hair.

It has become a proverb.

It has caused injury and will do so again.

It is a bad action that success cannot justify.

It is a bad bargain, where both are losers.

It is a disgrace to be praised by those who deserve no praise.

It is a foul bird that fills his own nest.

It is a fraud to connive at a fraud.

It is a kingly act to help the fallen.

It is a mean thing to despise unsuccessful merit.

It is a misery to be born, a punishment to live, and a trouble to die.

It is a no good hen, that cackles in your house and lays in another’s.

It is a poor dog that’s not worth whistling for.

It is a solace to the miserable to have a companion in their grief.

It is a wretched position to be dependent on others for support.

It is all over: I may as well go and hand myself.

It is an absurdity that he should rule others who cannot command himself.

It is an easy task to improve upon an invention.

It is an honourable thing to be accused by those who are open to accusation.

It is as bad to have too many friends as no friends at all.

It is bad to contend about trifles.

It is best to learn wisdom by the experience of others.

It is better to be always prepared than to suffer once. – Latin Proverbs

It is better to be born lucky than rich.

It is better to enjoy what we possess than to hanker after other things.

It is better to fly than to remain in disgrace.

It is better to give than to receive.

It is better to satisfy our hunger than to be clothed in purple.

It is better to say nothing than not enough.

It is better to turn back than to persevere in an evil course.

It is but a small merit to observe silence, but it is a grave fault to speak of matters on which we should be silent.

It is but fair that he who requires indulgence for his own offences should grant it to others.

It is cruel to refer to those things which cause sorrow.

It is easier to pull down than to build up.

It is easier to raise the Devil than to lay him.

It is easier to run from virtue to vice, than from vice to virtue.

It is easier to win good luck than to retain it.

It is easy to set a cask a rolling.

It is good to be taught even by an enemy.

It is honourable to be accused by those who deserve to be accused.

It is human nature to hate a person whom you have injured.

It is inexcusable to have remained long away, and return empty-handed.

It is more difficult to bridle the tongue than to conquer an army.

It is more wicked to love a sin than to commit one.

It is necessary to risk something. – Latin Proverbs

It is never too late to ask what time it is.

It is never too late to learn.

It is never too late to mend.

It is no advantage for a man in fever to change his bed.

It is no business of mine; may it go to the devil.

It is not allowed in war to blunder twice.

It is not at the altar that we should consider the course we would take.

It is not becoming to play the fox, or to play up on both sides.

It is not easy suddenly to cast aside a fancy long indulged in.

It is not easy to bear prosperity unruffled.

It is not to be argued that the abuse of a thing proves that it is useless.

It is often better to go by a circuitous than by a direct path.

It is one thing to boast, another to fight.

It is safer to irritate a dog than an old woman.

It is sheer folly to expect justice from the unprincipled.

It is soon known which trees will bear fruit.

It is sweet and meritorious to die for one’s country.

It is the duty of a good sportsman to kill game freely, but not kill all.

It is the duty of friends mutually to correct each other.

It is the essence of good taste to do that which is consistent with our position.

It is the part of a good shepherd to shear his flock, not to skin it.

It is the perfection of art when no trace of the artist appears.

It is the season not the soil that brings the crop.

It is the tree that gives its nature to the fruit.

It is the very backbone of wisdom not to trust too hastily.

It is thou must honour the place, not the place thee.

It is ungentlemanly to lie; truthfulness becomes the gentleman.

It is unlucky to marry in May.

It is vain to do that by a multitude which a few can accomplish.

It is well to buy oil as well as salt.

It matters little whether we are the slaves of circumstance, or of man.

It may be said that noisy barrels are easier to carry.

It rings, it is empty.

It rolled like water off a duck’s back.

It would be clear enough even to a blind man.

It would make a man scratch where it doth not itch, To see a man live poor to die rich.

It would puzzle even Apollo to understand it.

It’s a well-known fact, dirt stinks more when stirred.

It’s all grist to the mill.

It’s an ill plan that cannot be changed.

It’s an ill wind that blows no one any good.

Jackdaw always perches by jackdaw.

Jokes, which carry injury with them, are never agreeable.

Joking must have its proper limit.

Jouk and let the jaw go by.

Jove but laughs at lover’s perjury.

Judge of the daughter by the mother.

Judge of the statue of Hercules by the size of the foot.

Jupiter himself cannot please everybody.

Justice is exercised in the proper prevention, rather than in the severe punishment, of crime.

Keep adding little by little and you will soon have a big hoard.

Keep quiet and people will think you a philosopher.

Keep quiet and people will think you a philosopher.

Keep the common road, and thou’rt safe.

Keep your eye upon the goal.

Keep your own counsel.

Keep your own fish-guts for your own sea-maws.

Kings have many ears and many eyes too.

Kings learn wisdom from associating with wise men.

Kings love the treason, but not the traitor.

Know you not that kings have long arms?

Labour conquers all things.

Late hours and love and wine lead not to moderation in anything.

Late repentance is rarely sincere.

Laugh with those that laugh.

Laugh, if you are wise.

Laughter abounds in the mouths of fools.

Learning has sour roots, but pleasant fruits.

Leave not your staff at home.

Length of time rots a stone.

Less malevolence, or more power to exercise it.

Less of your courtesy, and more of your purse.

Let a fool hold his tongue, and he will pass for a sage.

Let but the hours of idleness cease, and the bow of Cupid will become broken and his torch extinguished.

Let each man do his best.

Let every man have his due.

Let him bear the prize, who has deserved it.

Let him take the oars who has learned to row.

Let him that earns the bread eat it.

Let it be given to the most meritorious.

Let it be well recorded that a harlot is a gate which leads to death.

Let it go for what it is worth.

Let no man be the servant of another, who can be his own master.

Let no man refuse to endure that which is common to the lot of all.

Let not your right hand know what your left hand doeth.

Let not your sword be drawn at any man’s bidding.

Let the buyer be on his guard.

Let the buyer beware.

Let the devil never find you unoccupied.

Let the ignorant learn, and the learned delight in refreshing the memory.

Let the poor man mind his tongue.

Let them hate, so that they fear me.

Let them laugh that win.

Let there be no delay.

Let us be judged of by our actions.

Let us go, where fate directs us.

Liberal enough of another man’s leather.

Liberate me from that bad fellow, myself.

Light griefs can speak, but deeper ones are dumb.

Like a fish out of water. – Latin Proverbs

Like likes like.

Like mistress, like maid.

Like mother, like daughter.

Like prince, like people.

Limit your inquiry after knowledge.

Limping justice ne’er will fail To hunt out the longest trail.

Lions in time of peace; deer in war.

Listen to that which is openly and seriously spoken.

Little drops produce the shower.

Little grain have I collected from a mass of chaff.

Live according to your means.

Live near a lame man, and you will soon learn to limp.

Live not beyond your means.

Live your own life, for you will die your own death.

Losses make us more cautious.

Lost time is never found again.

Love and a cough cannot be hid.

Love and dignity do not dwell together.

Love brooks no delay.

Love conquers all things; let us own her dominion.

Love for those too easily won does not last long.

Love is a kind of military service.

Love is like a shuttlecock.

Love is the fruit of love.

Love steals on us imperceptibly.

Love would soon perish, unless nourished by Ceres and Bacchus.

Lovers are madmen.

Lust of power is the strongest of all passions.

Mad desire, when it has the most, longs for more.

Mad drunkenness discloses every secret.

Make a virtue of necessity.

Make every bargain clear and plain, that none may afterwards complain.

Make good use of your time, it flies fast.

Make haste slowly.

Make hay when the sun shines.

Make too much haste and pay the penalty.

Make your experiment on a worthless subject.

Man and woman, fire and chaff.

Man is a wolf to man.

Man is himself the author of every sorrow he endures.

Man is to man a wolf, man is to man a demon.

Man’s life is a sojourn in a strange land.

Man’s life’s a vapor, and full of woes; he cuts a caper, and down he goes.

Many an injury comes from a fool’s speech.

Many annoyances surround an aged man.

Many asses have only two legs.

Many can drive an ox; few can plough.

Many can drive oxen, few can plough.

Many fall by the sword, but more from gluttony.

Many hands make light work.

Many meet the gods, but few salute them.

Many promises impair confidence.

Many will hate you if you love yourself. – Latin Proverbs

Many words, little credit.

March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb.

Marriage is a lottery.

Married life without children is as the day deprived of the sun’s rays.

Marry a person in your own rank in life.

Men are bound by words, bulls’ horns by ropes.

Men in office must work hard.

Men learn oratory by practice.

Men see more of the business of others than of their own.

Men who have no religion, no honour.

Men worship the rising, not the setting sun.

Mere intentions are not to be esteemed as actions.

Merit consists in action.

Merit is often belied by the countenance.

Mettle is dangerous in a blind horse.

Mice care not to play with kittens.

Midway between the earth and the starry Olympus.

Mirth must be indulged in to prepare the mind for more serious matters.

Misfortunes make friends.

Misfortunes make happiness more sweet when it comes.

Misfortunes make strange bedfellows.

Mistakes are to be pardoned.

Moderate measures succeed best.

Moderation in all things.

Monday’s child is fair of face, Tuesday’s child is full of grace, Wednesday’s child is full of woe. Thursday’s child has far to go, Friday’s child is loving and giving, Saturday’s child works hard for its living, And a child that’s born of the Sabbath day Is fair and wise and good and gay. – Latin Proverbs

Money, like a queen, gives rank and beauty.

More blind than the cast-off skin of a serpent.

More cost, more worship.

More die by food than famine.

More like than egg to egg.

More naked than the cast-off skin of a serpent.

Morn with her rosy locks dispels the shades of night, and the sun puts to flight the stars, lighting up the world.

Morning dreams come true.

Most bitter are the quarrels of brothers.

Most haste, worst speed.

Mountains never unite.

Much coin, much care.

Mules help to scratch each other.

Music induces more madness in many than wine.

Music is the best cure for a sorrowing mind.

Music is the handmaid of divinity.

Music provokes love.

My bark, once struck by the fury of the storm, dreads again to approach the place of danger.

My inclination first leads me in one direction, then in the opposite.

My turn today, yours tomorrow.

Natura genetrix.

Nature is our mother.

Nature without an effort surpasses art.

Necessity is a strong weapon.

Necessity recognizes no law.

Necessity requires no decision.

Negation proves nothing.

Neglect will sooner kill an injury than revenge.

Neither beautiful, nor young.

Neither beg of him who has been a beggar, nor serve him who has been a servant.

Neither shall the wave, which has passed on, ever be recalled; nor can the hour, which has once fled by, return again.

Never be too much elated.

Never descend to vulgarity, even in joking. – Latin Proverbs

Never expect your friends to do for you that which you can yourself accomplish.

Never give a child a sword.

Never give a sucker an even break.

Never malign a friend.

Never marry for money, but marry where money is.

Never refuse a good offer.

Never say, “die!”

Never speak in a hurry.

Never take the antidote before the poison.

Never tell tales out of school.

Never too old to learn.

Night is the mother of council. – Latin Proverbs

No bees, no honey.

No day is wholly productive of evil.

No day should pass without something being done.

No folly like being in love.

No gain is so certain as that which proceeds from the economical use of what you already have.

No gain is so certain as that which proceeds from the economical use of what you already have.

No gain satisfies a greedy mind.

No gains without pains.

No herb can remedy the anguish of love.

No horse is so good, but that he will at times stumble.

No injury can be complained of by a consenting party.

No man acquires perfection all at once.

No man can be happy without a friend, or be sure of his friend till he is unhappy.

No man can call again yesterday.

No man can swim ashore and carry his baggage with him.

No man can think well of himself who does not think well of others.

No man commands ably unless he has himself obeyed discipline.

No man ever became wicked all at once.

No man grieves long unless by his own fault.

No man has a worse friend than he brings with him from home.

No man is contented with his lot in this life.

No man is faultless.

No man is his craft’s master the first day.

No man is impatient with his creditors.

No man is so rich as to say, “I have enough!”

No man ought to be twice tried for the same offence.

No man should be a witness in his own cause.

No man will feed on herbs when meat is to be had.

No matter her past, when a chambermaid marries a lord she becomes a lady.

No one ever suddenly reached the height of vice.

No one in a shabby coat is treated with respect.

No one is a fool always, every one sometimes.

No one loves another better than himself.

No peacock envies another peacock his tail.

No protection is so sure as that of innocence.

No sooner said than done.

No thanks attach to a kindness long deferred.

Nobility of conduct is a greater recommendation than nobility of birth.

Nobility without wealth is more worthless than the seaweed which the tide has left.

Not even a drop is left.

Not to advance is to recede.

Not to disturb that which is at rest.

Not words but knocks.

Nothing answers worse than too high farming.

Nothing bears a stronger resemblance to a madman than a man when drunk.

Nothing can be said which has not been said already.

Nothing can exist long without occasional rest.

Nothing comes of nothing.

Nothing dries sooner than tears. – Latin Proverbs

Nothing dries up more quickly than a tear.

Nothing is grievous which necessity enjoins.

Nothing is more foolish than to dabble in too many things.

Nothing is more humiliating than when a reproach recoils on the head or him who utters it.

Nothing prevails against wealth.

Nothing reaches the intellect before making its appearance in the senses.

Nothing, however small, is to be irritated.

Nourish not a lion’s whelp.

Nourish the whelps of a wolf.

Novelty always appears handsome.

Novelty in all things is charming.

Now a layman, to-morrow a clerk.

Now I have got a ewe and a lamb, Every one cries, “Welcome, Peter.”

Now it rains, and again the sun shines forth brightly in the heavens.

Now my resources are reduced to a narrow compass.

O ancient house, by what a different master are you presided over.

Obedience is the mother of happiness.

Obey orders, if you break owners.

Observe decorum even in your sport.

Obstinately to justify a fault is a second fault.

Occupy yourself, and you will be out of harm’s way.

Of no sort of good to himself, or to anybody else.

Of no worldly good can the joy be perfect, unless it is shared by a friend.

Of two evils the least is always to be chosen.

Offer not the right hand of friendship to every one.

Office tests the man.

Often a silent face has voice and words.

Often there is eloquence in a silent look.

Oil and truth will get uppermost at last.

Old age is in itself a disease.

Old age is venerable.

Old foxes want no tutors.

Old men’s children are rarely of good constitution.

Once a buffoon, never a good father of a family.

Once a handmaid never a lady.

Once a priest, always a priest.

Once in each man’s life fortune smiles.

One against whom accusations when made are easily believed.

One beast easily recognizes another.

One bird in the hand is worth four in the air.

One butcher fears not many sheep.

One fool makes many.

One hand washes the other.

One has woven the thread, another has drawn it forth.

One hour to-day is worth two to-morrow.

One house cannot keep two dogs.

One lawsuit begets another.

One loyal friend is worth ten thousand relatives.

One man excels in one thing, another in another.

One man is no man.

One man must not fight with two.

One man restored our fortunes by delay.

One man uses his tongue, another his teeth.

One man yawning makes another yawn too.

One man’s loss is another man’s gain.

One man’s meat is another man’s poison.

One poison is cured by another.

One that promised better things.

One tree won’t hold two robins.

One who can do you a deal of good or a deal of harm.

One who would quarrel about goats’ wool.

Opportunity has hair in front, behind she is bald; if you seize her by the forelock, you may hold her, but, if suffered to escape, not Jupiter himself can catch her again.

Opportunity makes the thief.

Opportunity never knocks twice at any man’s door.

Opportunity only knocks once.

Oppose not a hungry man.

Opposites attract.

Oppression causeth rebellion.

Our fears always outnumber our dangers.

Our hearts run riot in prosperity.

Our last garment is made without pockets.

Our native land attracts us with some mysterious charm, never to be forgotten.

Our neighbour’s crop is always more fruitful and his cattle produce more milk than our own.

Our outward actions reveal our hidden intentions.

Our own house surpasses every other.

Our pillow should be our counsellor.

Out of nothing nothing comes.

Outward appearances assuming the form of virtues.

Over no home can the sign be hung: There is no trouble here.

Overdoing is doing nothing to the purpose.

Pain mingles with pleasure.

Pain of mind is worse than pain of body.

Pain past is pleasure.

Patience overtaxed turns to rage.

Peace gains a value from discord.

Pedigree and ancestry and what we ourselves have not achieved, I scarcely recognize as our own.

Perhaps you will soon find another, and a fairer, lover.

Plague seize the hindmost.

Pleasure and pain succeed each other.

Pleasure is often the introduction to pain.

Pleasure is the bait of evil.

Pleasure often comes from pain.

Ponder long before you act.

Pondering over many things by night.

Poor though in the midst of wealth.

Possessions dwindle: I mourn their loss. But I mourn the loss of time much more, for anyone can save his purse, but none can win back lost time. – Latin Proverbs

Potter envies potter, and smith smith.

Poverty is death in another form.

Poverty is no disgrace, but it’s a great inconvenience.

Poverty makes a man mean.

Poverty shows us who are our friends and who our enemies.

Poverty trieth friends.

Power acquired by guilt was never used for a good purpose.

Power is strengthened by union.

Practice is better than theory.

Practice is the best master.

Practice makes perfect.

Practise not your art, and ’twill soon depart.

Praise a fair day at night.

Precepts invite, but examples drag us to conclusions.

Precepts may lead, but examples draw.

Presents from an enemy must be received with suspicion.

Presents more burdensome than profitable.

Preserve the guns, but destroy the gunners.

Presumption first blinds a man, and then sets him a running.

Pride is innate in beauty, and haughtiness is the companion of the fair.

Promises must not fill the place of gifts.

Promises, like pie crust, are made to be broken.

Property is robbery.

Providence assists not the idle.

Providence crushes pride.

Providence has not entirely deserted us.

Providence is always on the side of the big battalions.

Providence is better than a rent.

Providence may delay, but punishment will come at length.

Providence our herald, no barrier can oppose us.

Providence provides but short horns for the fierce ox.

Providence tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.

Providential aid at a critical moment.

Prudence and strength combined.

Prudence availeth more than strength.

Prudence is the charioteer of all virtue.

Prudence is the charioteer of all virtues.

Prying with sidelong glance into other people’s business.

Puffed goods are putrid.

Punishment awaits all offences.

Punishment awaits crime.

Pursue that course which offers most advantages, habit will soon make it agreeable and easy.

Quarrels enhance the pleasures of love.

Quick enough, if safe enough.

Quickly come, quickly go.

Quietly, if you can; if not, by any means.

Rare is agreement between beauty and modesty.

Ready money is ready medicine.

Real wealth consists not in having, but in not wanting.

Rear dogs and wolves’ cubs to rend you.

Reason is absent, when impulse rules.

Rejoice with those that do rejoice.

Relationship produces envy.

Religion must be taught, not forced.

Renown is denied to the living.

Re-open not a wound once healed.

Repentant tears wash out the stain of guilt.

Respect is greater from a distance.

Rest strengthens the body, the mind too is thus supported; but unremitting toil destroys both.

Revenge is a confession of pain.

Revenge is a dish that can be eaten cold.

Revere your parents.

Revolutions are not made with rose water.

Reward not a sleeping pilot.

Rich for yourself, poor for your friends.

Riches fall not always to the lot of the most deserving.

Riches too increase, and the maddening craving for gold, So that men ever seek for more, that they may have the most.

Rumour grows easily enough, but is not easily silenced.

Safely housed to listen to the storm outside.

Satiety has killed more men than hunger.

Satires run faster than panegyrics.

Scarce things are prized.

Science is unlimited in its course; life is short.

See that in avoiding cinders you step not on burning coals.

Seek a wife in your own sphere.

Seek not the luxuries of life lest you reap sorrow.

Seek not the rose which is once lost.

Self is the first object of charity.

Self praise is odious.

Self-love is a mote in every man’s eye.

Self-praise is no recommendation.

Servants differ as their masters.

Seven hours of sleep is enough for the young and the aged.

She is not a modest woman whom common report condemns.

She only is chaste, who is chaste where there is no danger of detection: she who does not, because she may not, does.

Shirk work and you will want bread.

Shit floats to the top.

Shit rolls downhill.

Short cuts are long ways round.

Showy clothes attract most.

Shrouds have no pockets.

Sickness shows us what we are.

Silence is the greatest ornament in a woman.

Silence is the voice of complicity.

Silence is wisdom and gets a man friends.

Silence means consent.

Sincerity gives wings to power.

Sing before breakfast, cry before night.

Sing not of triumph before the victory.

Skill will enable us to succeed in that which sheer force could not accomplish.

Sleep is all important.

Sleep not in time of peril.

Small favours conciliate, but great gifts make enemies.

Small minds are captivated by trifles.

Small things have their own peculiar charm.

So ends all earthly glory.

Soft speeches injure not the mouth of the speaker.

Some small spark may yet by chance lie hidden.

Some sow, others read.

Some things are better praised by silence than by remark. – Latin Proverbs

Some things are better praised by silence than remark.

Some things are better praised by silence than remark. – Latin Proverbs

Soon ripe, soon rotten.

Sooner could you hide an elephant under your armpit.

Sooner shall earth mount to heaven.

Sooner will a beetle make honey.

Sooner will the tamarisk bear apples.

Sooner will the wolf take the sheep for a wife.

Sorrow and ill weather come unsent for.

Sorrow brings on premature old age.

Sorrow dwells on the confines of pleasure.

Sorrow follows pleasure.

Sorrows come uninvited.

Sour grapes will ne’er make sweet wine.

Speak not against the dead.

Speaking, though speechless, it exercises dominion over the mind.

Speech both conceals and reveals the thoughts of men.

Spendthrifts are always of necessity greedy and covetous.

Spring succeeds to winter.

Spur not a free horse to death.

Spur not a willing horse.

Stagnant waters putrefy.

Stand away from a horse’s heels.

Stolen waters are the sweetest.

Stone dead hath no fellow.

Straitened circumstances.

Strange sins, strange punishments.

Strike me a light, and I’ll light you.

Strike when the iron is hot.

Study invites study, idleness produces idleness.

Stupid is as stupid does.

Stupidity is a force unto itself.

Submission to one wrong brings on another.

Submit to the rule you have yourself laid down.

Subtlety set a trap and caught itself.

Success alters our manners.

Success leads to insolence.

Success makes a fool seem wise.

Success or ruin.

Summer will not last for ever.

Sweet is war to those who have never experienced it.

Take counsel of your pillow.

Take not the antidote before the poison.

Take time: much may be gained by patience.

Talent and poverty, wealth and stupidity generally dwell together.

Talk of the devil and he’ll appear.

Taught in the same school.

Teach an eagle to fly, a dolphin to swim.

Tears are at times as eloquent as words.

Test the danger by the Carians.

Thank ‘ee for nothing.

That country will I call mine which supports me, not that which gave me birth.

That fair face will as years roll on lose its beauty, and old age will bring its wrinkles to the brow.

That is with difficulty preserved which all hanker after.

That which I receive, that I return.

That which is beyond our reach is nothing to us.

That which is deferred is not abandoned.

That which is despised is often most useful.

That which is good for the back is bad for the head.

That which is his lot to-day may be yours to-morrow.

That which is not understood is always marvellous.

That which is sweet to some is bitter to others.

That which is violent never lasts long.

That which is wanting in some respects, may be made up for in others.

That which satisfies is enough.

That which should feed our children ought not to be given to dogs.

That which was bitter to endure may be sweet to remember.

That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.

That which we really require not is dear at a farthing.

The absent one will not be the heir.

The act itself does not constitute a crime, unless the intent be criminal.

The antidote before the poison.

The assistance of fools only brings injury.

The autumn of beauty is still beautiful.

The avenging gods have their feet clothed in wool.

The axe forgets what the tree remembers.

The bad refrain from sin from fear of punishment.

The bear wants a tail and cannot be a lion.

The bear, he never can prevail To lion it for want of tail.

The beginning is half of the whole.

The best things are the first to perish.

The best things come in small packages.

The best things in life are free.

The best throw of the dice is to throw them away.

The bitch in her haste brings forth blind puppies.

The blind man wishes to show the way.

The blind would lead the blind.

The blossoms in the spring are the fruit in autumn.

The blow falls more lightly when it is anticipated.

The bones for those who come late.

The brave man may die, but he will never say “die.”

The bust of Mercury cannot be carved in every wood.

The carriage draws the ox.

The carrion which the eagle has left feeds the crow.

The cause at an end, the effect is removed.

The challenger is beaten.

The chamber of sickness is the chapel of devotion.

The cobbler should not go beyond his last.

The cobbler to his last and the gunner to his linstock.

The conquered dare not open their mouths.

The conqueror weeps, the conquered is ruined.

The corruption of the best things makes the worst.

The counsel of the aged is sound.

The course of a river is not to be altered.

The course of true love never did run smooth.

The cowl does not make the monk.

The crab would catch the hare.

The credit got by a lie lasts only till the truth comes out.

The crow is a pretty bird when the jackdaw is not present.

The dead are the best counsellors.

The diseases of the mind are either caused or cured by the power of music.

The doctor is to be feared more than the disease.

The eagle does not catch flies.

The early morn favours study.

The end crowns the work.

The end justifies the means.

The evil is lessened when it is seen beforehand.

The excess of mirth leads to tears.

The face is the index to the mind.

The face is the portrait of the mind; the eyes, its informers.

The faded rose No suitor knows.

The Fates will not permit it.

The favour of the great is not lasting.

The fear of death is worse than death itself.

The field should be poorer than the farmer.

The fish requires salt.

The fool would teach the learned.

The force of anger is broken by a soft answer.

The force which a body at rest exercises on a body in motion impinging upon it.

The fox loves cunning, the wolf covets the lamb, and a woman longs for praise.

The fox may grow gray, but never good.

The future struggles against being mastered.

The gifts of fortune do not always benefit us.

The girl is more inviting who smells of wild thyme than she who smells of musk.

The gladiator seeks advice, when in the very lists.

The gnat trusting itself to the flame is singed.

The gods assist the industrious.

The gods sell all things for labour.

The gods sell all things to hard labor.

The gods send nuts to those who have no teeth.

The good fortunes of life fall to the lot even of the base.

The good hate to sin from love of virtue; the bad hate to sin from fear of punishment.

The good hate to sin from love of virtue; the bad hate to sin from fear of punishment. – Latin Proverbs

The good is the enemy of the best.

The goodwill accompanying the gift is the best portion of it.

The grape is not ripened by the rays of the moon.

The grasshopper is dear to the grasshopper, the ant loves the ant.

The great elephant of India cares not for a gnat.

The greater the fool, the greater his insolence.

The greatest consideration is due to the innocence of youth.

The habits of our youth accompany us in our old age.

The half is better than the whole.

The hand often travels to the part where the pain is.

The hand that gives gathers.

The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world.

The happier the time, the more quickly it passes.

The harp dispels care.

The hatred of knaves is preferable to their company.

The hatred of knaves is preferable to their company. – Latin Proverbs

The hatred of knaves is to be preferred to their company. – Latin Proverbs

The hedge is trodden down where it seems to lean.

The highest seat will not hold more than one.

The highest spoke in fortune’s wheel may soon turn lowest.

The highest tree hath the greatest fall.

The hindmost dog may catch the hare.

The hour is passing.

The intemperate die young, and rarely en joy old age.

The knowledge of sin is the beginning of salvation.

The laborer is worthy of his hire.

The labour is in itself a pleasure.

The laughter, the tears, and the song of a woman are equally deceptive.

The law of requital of injury by injury.

The madness of one makes many mad.

The magpie is competing with the nightingale.

The master’s eye makes the horse fat.

The means were wanting, not the will.

The memory of a benefit vanisheth, but the remembrance of an injury sticketh fast in the heart.

The memory of happiness makes misery woeful.

The mice have taken themselves off.

The mill cannot grind with the water that is past.

The miller sees not every wave that flows.

The mind is best taught with a sharp whip.

The mind when unoccupied knows not what it wants.

The misfortune of the foolish is a warning to the wise.

The misfortunes to which we are accustomed affect us less deeply.

The more honesty a man has the less he affects the air of a saint.

The more they have, the more they want.

The more we have, the more we want.

The more you give in, the more you have to give in.

The most pleasant cruise is near the land; the most inviting walk near the sea.

The mouse is caught in the trap.

The names of fools are always written on walls.

The naming of one man amounts to the exclusion of another.

The office shows the man.

The office shows the man. – Latin Proverbs

The old cask tastes of what the new cask held.

The old monkey is caught last.

The old parrot does not mind the stick.

The owl has one note, the crow another.

The owl sings to the nightingale.

The ox in a strange stall often casts a longing look towards the door.

The ox when most weary is most surefooted.

The parrot utters one cry, the quail another.

The passing hour is sometimes a mother, sometimes a stepmother.

The penalty attaching to evil deeds should be thought of in time.

The people want to be deceived.

The pig prefers mud to clean water.

The plan executed, reason comes to our assistance.

The pleasures of love are enhanced by injuries.

The pleasures of the mighty are the tears of the poor.

The pleasures we enjoy are lost by coveting more.

The position in which we were before the war.

The post of honor is the post of danger.

The prolonged visit of no guest is pleasant.

The provoking pertinacity of a fly.

The quoit attracts them more than philosophy.

The rabble is not influenced by reason, but blind impulse.

The rabble, as of old, truckles to success, and hates a favourite in disgrace.

The race is not always to the swift.

The rack can extort a false confession from the innocent.

The rat betrayed by his own track perishes.

The razor against the grindstone.

The real nettle will sting early.

The real world is a special case.

The remedy for injuries is to forget them.

The remembrance of past pleasures adds to present sorrows.

The reserve are engaged.

The revenge of an idiot is without mercy.

The reward of a thing rightly done is to have done it.

The reward of silence is certain.

The Roman conquered by delay.

The rough manners of the vulgar are contagious.

The sacrifice of an ox will not bring us all we want.

The same failings attach not to all.

The same shoe does not fit every foot.

The shadow for the substance.

The shirt is nearer than the coat.

The silence resulting from absence has destroyed many a friendship.

The silver is become dross.

The skin of a lion covering some mongrel beast.

The smoke of our own country is brighter than fire abroad.

The sow has been greeted with music.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

The stupid fear fortune, the wise endure it.

The swans will not sing till the jackdaws are quiet.

The swift are overtaken by the slow.

The tale is marred in the telling.

The tears of an heir are laughter under a mask.

The test of merit is success.

The times are changing; we too are changing with them.

The title is one thing, the contents another.

The toothless man envies those who can eat well.

The warnings of age are the weapons of youth.

The whisperer’s tongue is worse than serpent’s venom.

The will cannot be compelled.

The wind will let us neither sail nor stay.

The wolf changes his coat but not his nature.

The wolf changes his hair, but not his nature.

The wolf dances round the well.

The work tests the workman.

The workmanship surpassed the material.

There are many languages on earth, but one in heaven.

There grows not the herb, which can protect against the power of death.

There is a black sheep in every flock.

There is a good time coming.

There is a season for all things.

There is a skeleton in every house.

There is a time and place for everything.

There is a time for all things.

There is a time for everything.

There is a time for everything.

There is a time when nothing should be said, there is a time when some things may be said. but there is indeed no time in which everything can be said.

There is always a first time.

There is danger when a dog has once tasted flesh.

There is more to be feared from the doctor than the disease.

There is no accounting for tastes.

There is no departing from the words of the law.

There is no disputing about tastes.

There is no good but contains some evil; no evil but contains some good.

There is no remedy against the bite of a secret slanderer.

There is no way to make money so certain as to save what you have.

There is no wheat without chaff.

There is no wise response to a foolish remark.

There is nothing more telling than wit.

There is nothing new under the sun.

There is nothing so intolerable as a fortunate fool.

There is nothing to be gained by buying inferior goods.

There is often wisdom under a shabby coat.

There’s death in the pot.

They attend a funeral robed in white, and a wedding in mourning.

They build houses but shall not inhabit them.

They can do least who boast loudest.

They cease to be friends who dwell afar off.

They fight with tweezers, not swords.

They fought with varying success.

They found no fault with Time, save that he fled.

They give, to find a pretext for asking.

They laugh till they cry.

They limit their expenditure where it is not needed, and are ever lavish of that of which they should be sparing.

They look at the greens, but steal the bacon.

They marry under bad auspices who marry in the month of May.

They understand each other, like thieves at a fair.

They who are thirsty drink in silence.

Thief knows thief, and wolf knows wolf.

Thieves dread a commotion.

Things beyond our reach are not worth our consideration.

Things coming from afar are most esteemed.

Things hardly attained are the longer retained.

Things hatched in discord are not speedily terminated.

Things past cannot be recalled.

Things rumoured lessen in importance as they assume reality.

Think first and speak afterwards.

Think late, suffer soon.

This grief will prove a blessing.

Those who are conscious of their own iniquity, suspect others.

Those who are nourished by hope live ever in suspense, and enjoy not life.

Those who are once found to be bad are presumed to be so for ever.

Those who attack, though they die in the attempt.

Those who do a thing are consenting parties.

Those who see the faults of others, and see not their own, are wise for others and fools for themselves.

Though living, dead for all useful purposes.

Though malice may darken truth, it cannot put it out.

Though physician to others, yet himself full of sores.

Three women will make as much noise as a market.

Through dangers to distinction.

Thus years glide by.

Tide and time wait for no man.

Time flies with hasty step.

Time has a forelock, but is bald behind.

Time reveals all things.

Time softens animosity.

Times change, and we change with them.

Times change, and we change with them. – Latin Proverbs

‘Tis folly to love fetters, though they be of gold.

‘Tis gold Which makes the true man killed, and saves the thief; Nay, sometimes hangs both thief and true man; what Can it not do, and undo?

‘Tis wisdom sometimes to seem a fool.

To be in love and act wisely is scarcely granted to a god.

To be loved, be loveable.

To conceal disease is fatal.

To condemn by a cutting laugh comes easily to all.

To do a favour slowly is to begrudge it; to consent slowly shows unwillingness.

To do good to the ungrateful is to throw rose-water into the sea.

To every one who doth ask, but not everything he doth ask.

To have been silent never does harm, but to have spoken does.

To have no wants, is money.

To have nothing is not poverty.

To him that hath much, shall much be given.

To know nothing is the happiest life.

To obtain that which is just we must ask that which is unjust.

To place yourself under an obligation is to sell your liberty.

To relax the mind is to lose it.

To remove the hairs from a horse’s tail, one by one must be plucked out.

To silence another, first be silent yourself.

To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue.

To the ass, or the sow, their own offspring appears the fairest in creation. – Latin Proverbs

To the pure all things are pure.

To understand a stammerer, you ought to stammer yourself.

To whiten ivory with dye is to spoil nature by art.

To whom is he any good, if he is no good to himself?

To win a war quickly takes long preparation.

To work is to pray.

Toil is prayer. – Latin Proverbs

To-morrow is the pupil of to-day.

To-morrow we will credit it, not to-day.

Too late do I take up the shield after the wound.

Too late for the fair.

Too much care does more harm than good.

Too much care may be as bad as downright negligence.

Too much consulting confounds.

Too much of a thing nauseates.

Too much of anything is bad.

Too much wine will make a sane man mad.

Treachery will eventually betray itself; though wary enough at first.

Treat everything of this world as mere vanity.

Treat your friends as if hereafter they will become your enemies, and your enemies as if they will become your friends.

Trifles often lead to serious results.

Trifling at an end, now let us go to the point.

Troy is a thing of the past.

True friends are tested in adversity.

Trust no one, until you have eaten a peck of salt with him.

Trust not a sword in the hands of a boy.

Trust not a woman, even when dead.

Trust not your all in one ship.

Truth becomes lost in the turmoil of arguments.

Truth conquers all things.

Truth is great and will prevail.

Truth is violated by a lie or by silence.

Truth lies at the bottom of a well.

Truth may be suppressed, but not strangled.

Truth will be out. – Latin Proverbs

Try to deserve the reputation you enjoy.

Turn it inside and out.

Turn of phrase.

Two eyes can see more than one.

Unable to keep yourself, you are keeping dogs.

Unaccustomed to wear them, he displays the breeches he has on to every one he meets.

Under the rose.

Unequalled in the smallest matters.

Unless what we do is useful, glory is vain.

Unless what we do is useful, glory is vain.

Urge the horse close to the turning-post.

Use not coercive measures against those in authority.

Valour acquires strength by union.

Valour even in an enemy is worthy of praise.

Vengeance is slow, but stern.

Venture a small fish to catch a great one.

Vice is nourished by concealment.

Vices creep into our hearts under the name of virtue.

Viper produces viper.

Virtue and valour rejoice in being put to the test.

Virtue our leader, fortune our companion.

Virtue, which parleys, is near a surrender.

Walk on your own lands.

Walk softly but carry a big stick.

Want all lose all.

War appears pleasant to those who have never experienced it.

War gives no opportunity for repeating a mistake.

We all envy other people’s luck.

We all refer to that of which we know most.

We are born; we die. – Latin Proverbs

We are content to forgo joy when pain is also lost.

We are not disposed to study much after heavy meals.

We are the authors of our own disasters.

We are too busy mopping the floor to turn off the faucet.

We become wiser as we grow older.

We benefit by affliction.

We can accustom ourselves to anything.

We can enjoy nothing without some one to share the pleasure.

We conquer and are conquered in our turn.

We covet not that of the existence of which we are ignorant.

We easily believe that which we hope for.

We easily give advice to others.

We expiate in old age the follies of our youth.

We find much ingratitude, and create more.

We give and take in turn.

We hate the man whom we have wronged.

We hate whom we have injured.

We have all been fools in our time.

We judge of the present from the past.

We learn the value of things more in their loss than in their enjoyment.

We lessen our wants by lessening our desires.

We live more by fashion than common sense.

We lose the certain things, while we seek the uncertain ones.

We lose the certain things, while we seek the uncertain ones.

We must live as we can, not as we would wish.

We must not expect everything, everywhere, and from everybody.

We need not friends if Providence smiles on us.

We never profit by the gifts of the wicked.

We pardon faults in youth.

We pay when old for the excesses of youth.

We perish by permitted things.

We receive nothing with so much reluctance as advice.

We shall never be younger.

We should eat to live, not live to eat.

We should trust more to our eyesight than to our ears.

We sow the wind, and reap the whirlwind.

We start to die when we are born, and the end depends on the beginning.

We trust what we see rather than what we hear.

Wealth is protected and poverty is assisted by concord.

Wealth lightens not the heart and care of man.

Wealth makes worship.

Wealth not acquired by our own labours, but inherited.

Wealth, like an index, reveals the character of men.

Wear not boots too big for your feet.

Wear not out your welcome.

What a man does by the agency of another is his own act.

What does the tortoise care for flies?

What everybody says must be true.

What harm is there in making a trial?

What has benefited one has destroyed others.

What has this to do with the matter?

What I do against my will cannot be said to be my own act.

What is an exalted position to a low fellow but a golden ring in a swine’s snout?

What is lighter than a feather? Dust. What lighter than dust? Wind. What lighter than the wind? A harlot. What lighter than a harlot? Nothing.

What is new is esteemed, but what is in every day use ceases to afford interest.

What is not understood by what is less understood.

What is not understood.

What is permitted us we least desire.

What is there that love will not achieve?

What is useful cannot be base.

What is viler than to be laughed at?

What is worthwhile must needs be difficult.

What limit is there in love?

What need has a blind man of a looking glass?

What one knows it is sometimes useful to forget.

What one knows it is sometimes useful to forget. – Latin Proverbs

What people in distress most wish for, they most readily believe.

What raging rashly is begun, Challengeth shame before half done.

What soberness conceals, drunkenness reveals.

What the eye rarely sees, the heart soon despises.

What the law will compel you to do, do of your own free will.

What the sober man has in his heart, the drunkard has on his lips.

What though his hair be gray, his mind is no less vigorous than ever.

What we possess is always beautiful.

What will not performance achieve?

What you are doing do thoroughly.

What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.

What you’ve never had you never miss.

What. you a hare, and ask for hare-pie.

Whatever you do, do with all your might.

Whatever you undertake let it be proportioned to your powers.

What’s bred in the bone will come out in the flesh.

What’s done can’t be mended.

What’s done is done.

When a man’s mode of life is contemptible, it follows that his preaching is treated with contempt.

When an observation by joke is true, it is out of place and ill-natured.

When an old dog barks, look out.

When fortune deserts us, our friends are nowhere.

When hunger is appeased we can preach the merits of fasting.

When I did well, I heard it never; when I did ill, I heard it ever.

When in good health we easily give good advice to the sick.

When once at sea, do not long to be on shore.

When one dog barks another will join it. – Latin Proverbs

When one dog barks, another will follow suit.

When one wave leaves, another succeeds.

When one will not, two cannot quarrel.

When rogues fallout, many a secret is revealed.

When spherical bodies can unite and embrace, then there will be friendship amongst the avaricious.

When the battle is over you make your appearance.

When the head aches, all the members suffer with it.

When the head acheth, all the body is the worse.

When the journey is finished to lay up provisions for the journey.

When the old dog barks it is time to watch.

When the soul hungers, even bitter things taste sweet.

When the tale of bricks is doubled, then Moses makes his appearance.

When the tree is fallen, every one goeth to it with his hatchet.

When the war is over then comes help.

When you bargain with a fox, beware of tricks.

When you can avoid it, never seek strife.

When you will, they wont, when you wont, they will.

Where art is displayed truth does not appear.

Where bees are, there is honey.

Where curiosity is not the purveyor, detraction will soon be starved.

Where freedom is, there shall my country be.

Where the bee sucks honey the spider sucks poison.

Where the carcase is, there will the vultures be.

Where the carcass is, there shall the eagles be gathered together.

Where the honey, there the bees.

Where the love is, thither turns the eye.

Where there is content there is abundance.

Where there is wealth, friends abound.

Wherein have I erred? What have I done?

Wherever a man dwells, he shall be sure to have a thorn-bush near his door.

Whether he will or no.

While avoiding the smoke I have fallen into the flame.

While between two stools my tail go to the ground.

While life lasts let us enjoy it.

While there is life there is hope.

While we discuss matters, the opportunity passes by.

While we draw we are drawn.

While we live, let us live.

While we live, let us live. – Latin Proverbs

While we would catch we are caught.

Whilst standing he holds one opinion, whilst sitting another.

Who aims at things beyond his reach, the greater will be his fall.

Who lies with dogs shall rise up with fleas. – Latin Proverbs

Who loses honor can lose nothing else.

Who loves me loves my dog.

Who timidly requests invites refusal.

Who would avoid all strife, should be a bachelor.

Whose interest was it? To whose prejudice was it?

Whose life is as lightning, his words are as thunder.

Why wear out your great coat in summer?

Wickedness and malice only require an opportunity.

Wickedness with beauty is the devil’s hook baited.

Wider ears and a short tongue.

Win by persuasion not by force.

Wine brings forth the truth.

Wine carries no rudder.

Wine gladdeneth the heart of man.

Wine hath drowned more men than the sea.

Wine in the bottle does not quench thirst.

Wine is given to bring mirth not drunkenness.

Wine is one thing, drunkenness another.

Wine is the mirror of the mind.

Wine mars beauty and destroys the freshness of youth.

Winter is summer’s heir.

Winter never rots in the sky.

Wisdom does not consist in dress.

With his own weapon do I stab him.

With one hand he scratches you, and with the other he strikes you.

With the idle it is always holy day time.

Without divine assistance we can achieve nothing.

Without favour, art is like a windmill without wind.

Women when injured are generally not easily appeased.

Women’s jars breed men’s wars.

Words butter not parsnips.

Words may either conceal character or reveal it.

Words pay no debts.

Work makes the workman.

Works have a stronger voice than words.

Worthless is the advice of fools.

Would you shear a donkey for wool.

Would you take water to the frog?

Wrongdoers and assenting parties are equally punishable.

Yield to divine power.

You anoint the dead man with salve.

You are but sowing in sand.

You are carrying owls to Athens.

You are comparing a rose to an anemone.

You are his father by nature, I by counsel.

You are looking for wings in a wolf.

You are more shifting than a potter’s wheel.

You are needlessly alarmed.

You are talking to a stone.

You are teaching a fish to swim.

You are teaching iron to swim.

You are what you eat.

You ask the path when the high road is before your eyes.

You attack a horned animal.

You bring your own evil deeds to light.

You can never consider that as your own which can be changed.

You cannot catch a fox with a bait.

You cannot catch old birds with chaff.

You cannot have all you wish for.

You can’t love Thetis and Galatea at the same time.

You compare the bee to the grasshopper.

You compare the moorhen to the I swan.

You compare the tortoise to the hare.

You count the sand.

You give hay to the dog and bones to the ass.

You give the wolf the wether to keep.

You harp perpetually on the same string.

You have come too late for the feast.

You have got your feet out of the mire.

You have hit the nail on the head.

You have hit the point exactly.

You have left the sheep with the wolf for safe custody.

You have spoilt the wine by adding water to it.

You have to separate the chaff from the wheat.

You hold an eel by the tail.

You keep making that face and it’ll stay that way.

You kick against the goad.

You know not what the evening may bring with it.

You let the cat out of the bag.

You made this mess yourself, and now you must eat it all up.

You make an elephant of a mouse.

You may as well talk to the sea-shore.

You may drive Nature out with a pitchfork, but she will inevitably return.

You may drive Nature out with a pitchfork, but she will inevitably return. – Latin Proverbs

You may judge a man by his countenance.

You may judge of a man by his remarks.

You may know a lion by his claw.

You must howl with wolves if you wish to be one of their herd.

You must rave with the insane, unless you would be left alone.

You reap the crop of another.

You reap what you sow.

You sail in the same boat.

You seek for fruit in the garden of Tantalus.

You seek water from a stone.

You seek wool from a donkey.

You should eat plentifully of the flesh of the turtle or not at all.

You should know a man seven years before you stir his fire.

You should only believe half of what you see, and none of which you hear.

You stick in the same mire.

You talk to a deaf man.

You talk to a wall.

You teach the dolphin to swim.

You teach the dolphin to swim. – Latin Proverbs

You tell a tale to a dead man.

You trust the guard to a naked or unarmed man.

You use a lantern at noonday.

You war against heaven.

You will learn by teaching.

You will mix what is sacred with what is profane.

You will wear the ivy wreath, the victor’s meed.

You win a few, you lose a few.

You would frighten a lion with a mask.

You would weave a rope of sand.

Latin to English

• In regione caecorum rex est luscus.
  • In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. (Erasmus) – Latin Proverbs
• Adde parvum parvo magnus acervus erit.
  • Add a little to a little and there will be a great heap. (Ovid) – Latin Proverbs
• Beneficium accipere libertatem est vendere.
  • To accept a favour is to sell one’s freedom. – Latin Proverbs
• De gustibus non est disputandum.
  • In matters of taste, there is no argument. – Latin Proverbs
• Dulce bellum inexpertis.
  • War is sweet to those who have never fought. – Latin Proverbs
• Damnant quod non intelligunt.
  • They condemn what they do not understand. – Latin Proverbs
• Cicatrix manet.
  • The scar remains. – Latin Proverbs
• Absentem laedit cum ebrio qui litigat.
  • To quarrel with a drunk is to wrong a man who is not even there. – Latin Proverbs
• Castigat ridendo mores.
  • One corrects customs by laughing at them. – Latin Proverbs
• Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores!
  • A fox may change its skin but never its character. – Latin Proverbs
• Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.
  • I’ll either find a way or make one. – Latin Proverbs
• Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.
  • I fear the Danaens [the Ancient Greeks] even if they bring presents. (Virgil, Aeneid, 2, 49) Uttered by Laocoön as he warns his fellow Trojans against accepting the Trojan Horse. – Latin Proverbs
• Deos enim religuos accepimus, Caesares dedimus.
  • The gods were handed down to us, but we created the Caesars (i.e., the rulers) ourselves. – Latin Proverbs
• Ubi fumus, ibi ignis.
  • Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. – Latin Proverbs
• Tempus rerum imperator.
  • Time is sovereign over all things. – Latin Proverbs
• Tempus anima rei.
  • Time is the soul of things. – Latin Proverbs
• Crede quod habes, et habes.
  • Believe that you have it, and you do. – Latin Proverbs
• Cucullus non facit monachum.
  • The cowl does not make the monk. – Latin Proverbs
• Cineri gloria sera venit.
  • Fame to the dead comes too late. – Latin Proverbs
• Vasa vana plurimum sonant.
  • Empty pots make the most noise. – Latin Proverbs
• Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
  • If I can not bend Heaven, I shall move Hell. – Latin Proverbs
  • If the wind will not serve, take to the oars. – Latin Proverbs
• Ab ove maiori discit arare minor.
  • From the older ox the younger learns to plow. – Latin Proverbs
• Corruptisima re publica plurimae leges.
  • In the most corrupt state are the most laws. (Terence) – Latin Proverbs
• Sum quod eris; fui quod es.
  • As you are, I was. As I am, you will be. (used on Roman tombstones). – Latin Proverbs
• Cineri gloria sera est.
  • Glory paid to ashes comes too late. – Latin Proverbs
• Legum servi sumus ut liberi esse possimus.
  • We are slaves of the law in order that we may be able to be free. – Latin Proverbs
• Sol lucet omnibus.
  • The sun shines for everyone. – Latin Proverbs
• Vincit omnia veritas.
  • Truth conquers all. – Latin Proverbs
• Temporis ars medicina fere est.
  • Time is the best means of healing. (Ovid) – Latin Proverbs
• Silent enim leges inter arma.
  • Laws are silent in times of war. – Latin Proverbs
• Si vis pacem, para iustitiam.
  • If you want peace, prepare justice. – Latin Proverbs
• Periclum ex aliis facito tibi quod ex usu siet.
  • Draw from others the lesson that may profit yourself. (Terence) – Latin Proverbs
• Semper inops quicumque cupit.
  • Whoever desires is always poor. (Claudian) – Latin Proverbs             
• Semper Paratus
  • Always ready. (motto of the United States Coast Guard) – Latin Proverbs
• Amare et sapere vix deo conceditur.
  • Even a God finds it hard to love and be wise at the same time. – Latin Proverbs
• Conscientia mille testes.
  • Conscience is as good as a thousand witnesses. – Latin Proverbs
• Adversus solem ne loquitor.
  • Don’t speak against the sun. (i.e., don’t argue an obvious fact) – Latin Proverbs
• Scientia non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem.
  • Knowledge has no enemies but the ignorant. – Latin Proverbs
• Amantium irae amoris integratio est.
  • Lovers quarrels are the renewal of love. – Latin Proverbs
• Ad verecundiam.
  • Appeal to modesty in an argument. – Latin Proverbs
• Deficit omne quod nasciture.
  • Everything that is born passes away. (Quintillan) – Latin Proverbs
• Cras amet qui nunquam amavit; quique amavit, cras amet.
  • May he love tomorrow who has never loved before; And may he who has loved, love tomorrow as well – Latin Proverbs
• Mendacem memorem esse oportet.
  • It is fitting that a liar should be a man of good memory. – Latin Proverbs
• Roma die uno non aedificata est.
  • Rome wasn’t built in a day. – Latin Proverbs
• Recta linea brevissima, recta via tutissima.
  • Straight line is the shortest, straight road is the most safe. – Latin Proverbs
• Bis vincit qui se vincit in victoria.
  • He conquers twice who conquers himself in victory. (Publius Syrus) – Latin Proverbs
• Dimidium facti qui coepit habet.
  • He who has begun has the work half done. (Horace) – Latin Proverbs
• Faber est quisque fortunae suae.
  • Every man is architect of his own fortune. – Latin Proverbs
• Nemo dat quod non habet.
  • No one gives what he does not have. – Latin Proverbs
• Quot linguas calles, tot homines vales.
  • You are worth as many people as the languages that you speak. – Latin Proverbs
• Perfer et obdura; dolor hic tibi proderit olim.
  • Be patient and tough; some day this pain will be useful to you. – Latin Proverbs
• Bonitas non est pessimis esse meliorem.
  • It is not goodness to be better than the worst. – Latin Proverbs
• Quod medicina aliis, aliis est acre venenum.
  • What is medicine to some, is bitter poison to others. – Latin Proverbs
• Mutantur omnia nos et mutamur in illis.
  • All things change, and we change with them. – Latin Proverbs
• Non teneas aurum totum quod splendet ut aurum.
  • Do not take as gold everything that shines like gold. – Latin Proverbs

With English Translation

• A diabolo, qui est simia dei.
  • English equivalent: Where god has a church the devil will have his chapel.
  • “Wherever God erects a house of prayer,
    The Devil always builds a chapel there:
    And ’twill be found, upon examination,
    The latter has the largest congregation.”
  • Daniel Defoe, The True-Born Englishman (1701)
  • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 874. ISBN 0415096243.

• Abbati, medico, patrono que intima pande.
  • English equivalent: Conceal not the truth from thy physician and lawyer.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 666. ISBN 0415096243.

• Absens haeres non erit.
  • English equivalent: Out of sight, out of mind.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 16. ISBN 0415160502.

• Abyssus abyssum invocat.
  • English equivalent: Deep calls to deep.
  • Note: From the Bible, Psalm 42:7.
• Quidquid præcipies esto brevis.
  • “Whatever advice you give, be short.”
  • Horace, Ars Poetica (18 BC), CCCXXXV. Reported in Hoyt’s New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 10-11.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 695. ISBN 0415096243.

• Acquirit qui tuetur.
  • English equivalent: Sparing is the first gaining.
  • Burke (2009). The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, Comprising a Registry of Armorial Bearings from the Earliest to the Present Time. Heritage Books. p. 710. ISBN 0788437208.

• Acta Non Verba.
  • Translations: Deeds, not words – motto of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, at Kings Point, New York, USA.
  • English equivalents: Words are leaves, deeds are fruits.
  • Fuschetto (2003). Kings Point: Acta Non Verba. Diversified Graphics, Incorporated.

• Ancipiti plus ferit ense gula.
  • English equivalent: Gluttony kills more than the sword.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 864. ISBN 0415096243.

• Aegrescit medendo.
  • English equivalent: The remedy is often worse than the disease; Burn not your house to rid it of the mouse.
  • “Action taken to put something right is often more unpleasant or damaging than the original problem.”
  • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 232. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Cantera Ortiz de Urbina, Jesús (16 November 2005). Refranero Latino. Ediciones AKAL. p. 306. ISBN 978-84-460-1296-2.

• Aegroto dum anima est, spes est.
  • English equivalent: As long as there is life there is hope.
  • Erasmus, Mynors (1991). Collected Works of Erasmus: Adages II I 1 to II VI 100. University of Toronto Press. p. 467. ISBN 0802059546.

• Aeque pars ligni curvi ac recti valet igni.
  • English equivalent: Crooked logs make straight fires.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 683. ISBN 0415096243.

• Age quod agis.
  • Translation and English equivalent: Do what you do, in the sense of “Do well what you do”, “Do well in whatever you do” or “Be serious in what you do”
  • The Nation. Nation Company. 1884. p. 425.

• Age si quid agis.
  • Translation: “If there is something [quid for aliquid] you do (well), carry on”, “If you do something, do it well” see also “Age quod agis”
  • English equivalent: Bloom where you are planted.
  • Lindsay (1968). Early Latin verse. Oxford U. P.. p. 21.

• Aliis si licet, tibi non licet.
  • Translation: If others are allowed to, that does not mean you are. (see also quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi)
  • Patrick (1810). Terence’s Comedies. Gilbert and Hodges. p. 345.
• An nescis, mi fili, quantilla prudentia mundus regatur? (alternatively: regatur orbis)
  • Translation: Don’t you know, my son, with how little wisdom the world is governed?
  • Axel Oxenstierna (1583 – 1654), 1648 letter to son, who was involved in negotiating the Peace of Westphalia^[1]
  • Sometimes attributed to Cardinal Richelieu. Variant form due to John Selden

• Aliquis in omnibus est nullus in singulis.
  • Translation: Someone in all, is nothing in one.
  • English equivalent: Jack of all trades, master of none; Jack of all trades begs bread on Sundays.
  • “Somebody who has a very wide range of abilities or skills usually does not excel at any of them.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 156. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 70. ISBN 0415160502.

• Arcem ex cloacâ facĕre.
  • English equivalent: Don’t make a mountain out of a molehill.
  • Proverbs of All Nations. W. Kent & Company (late D. Bogue). 1859. p. 58.

• Aries cornibus Iasciviens.
  • English equivalent: Better fed than taught.
  • “For if absurdity be the subject of laughter, doubt you not but great boldness is seldom without some absurdity.”
  • Bacon, Francis (1625). Essayes or Counsels, Civill and Morall.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 16.

• Atqui, e lotio est.
  • Translation: Yet it comes from urine.
  • Emperor Vespasian to his son Titus, when the latter, complaining about the former’s urine tax, acknowledged a coin collected had no odor.

• • Suetonius Tranquillus, Gaius (9 December 2003) [121 CE]. “Divus Vespasianus”. University of Chicago. pp. section 23.3, page 317. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.
  • “The Life of Vespasian”. University of Chicago. 9 December 2003. Retrieved on 2006-09-09.

• Auctoritas non veritas facit legem
  • Translation: Authority, not truth, makes law.
  • Thomas Hobbes, “Leviathan” II, 26

• Audaces fortuna iuvat.
  • Translation: Fortune favors the brave.(Virgil, Aeneid 10, 284)
  • English equivalent: Fortune favours the bold.
  • “Those who act boldly or courageously are most likely to succeed.”
  • Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 94. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.

• Audentes fortuna juvat.
  • Translation: Fortune favors the bold. (Motto of the 80th Fighter Squadron, of the US Air Force, and of the USS Florida)

• Audi, vide, tace, si tu vis vivere (in pace).
  • Translation: Hear, see, be silent, if you wish to live (in peace). Roman proverb, according to this.
  • English equivalent: Rather see than hear.

• Aut inveniam viam aut faciam.
  • Alternate phrasing: Aut viam inveniam aut faciam
  • Translation: I’ll either find a way or make one.
  • English equivalent: Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
  • “If you are sufficiently determined to achieve something, then you will find a way of doing so.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 299. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge. p. 351

• Basio saepe volam, cui plagam diligo solam.
  • English equivalent: Many kiss the hand they wish to cut off.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1084. ISBN 0415096243.

• Bellum se ipsum alet.
  • War will feed on itself.
  • Roberts (2003). The Age of Liberty: Sweden 1719-1772. Cambridge University Press. p. 19.

• Bene diagnoscitur, bene curatur.
  • English equivalent: A disease known is half cured.
  • Meyer, Ndura-Ouédraogo (2009). Seeds of new hope: pan-African peace studies for the 21st century. Africa World Press. p. 331. ISBN 1592216625.

• Bis dat qui cito dat.
  • English equivalent: He gives twice, who gives in a trice.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 38.

• Brevis oratio penetrat coelos; Longa potatio evacuat scyphos.
  • English equivalent: Short prayers reach heaven.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 75.

• Canus honoretur, puer ad documenta citetur.
  • English equivalent: Gray hairs are honorable.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 35.

• Carpe diem.
  • Translation: “Seize the day.” By Horace, Odes I,11,8, to Leuconoe: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero (“take hold of the day, believing as little as possible in the next”). The verb “carpere” has the literal meaning “to pick, pluck,” particularly in reference to the picking of fruits and flowers, and was used figuratively by the Roman poets to mean “to enjoy, use, make use of.”
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243.

• Carthago delenda est.
  • Translation: “Carthage is to be destroyed.” Actually, ceterum censeo Carthaginem esse delendam (“Apart from that, I conclude that Carthage must be destroyed”) Cato the Elder used to end every speech of his to the Senate, on any subject whatsoever, with this phrase. Mentioned to indicate that someone habitually harps on one subject.

• Cave ab homine unius libri.
  • English translation: Fear the man of one book.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 851. ISBN 0415096243.

• Cedens in uno cedet in pluribus.
  • English equivalent: Virtue which parleys is near a surrender.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 957. ISBN 0415096243.

• Citius venit malum quam revertitur.
  • English equivalent: Misfortune comes on horseback and goes away on foot.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 65. ISBN 0415096243.

• Cito maturum cito putridum.
  • English equivalent: Early ripe, early rotten.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 758. ISBN 0415096243.

• Cogitationes posteriores sunt saniores.
  • English equivalent: Second thoughts are best; We shall lose nothing by waiting.
  • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 747. ISBN 0415096243.

• Consilio, quod respuitur, nullum subest auxilium.
  • English equivalent: He that will not be counseled cannot be helped.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 964. ISBN 0415096243.

• Consuetudinis magna vis est
  • English equivalent: Old habits die hard.
  • Cicero, Tusculanae Quaestiones, II.37

• Consuetudo altera natura est
  • English equivalent: Old habits die hard.
  • Breen (2010). Imagining an English Reading Public, 1150-1400. Cambridge University Press. p. 46. ISBN 0521199220.

• Contritium praecedit superbia.
  • English equivalent: Pride comes before fall.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1148. ISBN 0415096243.

• Cor boni concilii statue tecum non est enim tibi aliud pluris illo.
  • English equivalent: Though thou hast ever so many counsellors, yet do not forsake the counsel of thy own soul.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1044. ISBN 0415096243.

• Corruptissima re publica plurimae leges
  • Translation: The greater the degeneration of the republic, the more of its laws.
  • (Tacitus) Annals (117)

• “Credula est spes improba.
  • English equivalent: He that lives on hope dances without music.
  • “Hope is itself a species of happiness, and, perhaps, the chief happiness which this world affords.”
  • Samuel Johnson, letter of 8 June 1762, in James Boswell, Life of Samuel Johnson (1791), Vol. 1, p. 103
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 952. ISBN 0415096243.

• Crede quod habes, et habes.
  • English equivalent: Fake it till you make it.
  • Hugh Moore (1831). A dictionary of quotations from various authors in ancient and modern languages. p. 61. Retrieved on 14 August 2013.

• Cui caput dolet, omnia membra languent.
  • English equivalent: When the head is sick, the whole body is sick.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1117. ISBN 0415096243.

• Cuilibet fatuo placet sua calva.
  • English equivalentː Every fool is pleased with his own folly.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “147”. Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.

• Cuiusvis hominis est errare, nullius nisi insipientis in errore perseverare. —
  • Any man can make a mistake; only a fool keeps making the same one.
  • English equivalent: He wrongfully blames the sea who suffers shipwreck twice.
  • “Papa Hegel he say that all we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history. I know people who can’t even learn from what happened this morning. Hegel must have been taking the long view.”
  • John Brunner, Stand on Zanzibar (1968)
  • Marcus Tullius Cicero, Philippica XII, ii, 5

• Curae canitiem inducunt.
  • English equivalent: Fretting cares make grey hairs.
  • Source for proverb: Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 631. ISBN 0415096243.

• Custode et cura natura potentior omni.
  • English equivalent: Nature is beyond all teaching.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 764. ISBN 0415096243.

• De gustibus non est disputandum.
  • Translation: There is no disputing about tastes.
  • English equivalent: There is no accounting for taste.
  • Alternative form:
• De gustibus et coloribus non est disputandum.
  • Translation: “There’s no arguing about tastes and colors.”
  • De Gustibus Non Est Disputandum: Dramma Giocoso Per Musica Da Rappresentarsi In Monaco Di Baviera. Vötter. 1759.
  • H. Z Riley (1866). Dictionary of Latin Quotations Proverbs Maximus and Mottos, Classical and Medieval, Including Law Terms and Phrases. Bell & Daldy. p. 73.

• Deus quem punire vult dementat.
  • English equivalent: Whom God will destroy, he first make mad.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 841. ISBN 0415096243.

• Diem vesper commendat.
  • Translation: Celebrate the day when it is evening.
  • Meaning: Don’t celebrate until you are 100% sure there is a reason to do so.; Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 200. ISBN 0415160502.

• Difficile est longum subito deponere amorem.
  • English equivalent: True love never grows old.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1107. ISBN 0415096243.

• Dii facientes adiuvant.
  • Translation: Gods help those who do.
  • English equivalent: God helps them that help themselves.
  • Meaning: “When in trouble first of all every one himself should do his best to improve his condition.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 150. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.
  • Cantera Ortiz de Urbina, Jesús (16 November 2005). “975”. Refranero latino. Ediciones Akal. p. 83. ISBN 978-84-460-1296-2.

• Dives aut iniquus est, aut iniqui heres.
  • English equivalent: No one gets rich quickly if he is honest.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 963. ISBN 0415096243.

• Dives est qui sibi nihil deesse putat.
  • Translation: The rich man is the one who thinks to himself that nothing was lacking.
  • Note: Another way to phrase this is by this quote:
    • No one – not a single person out of a thousand [elderly interviewed because of their wisdom expertise] – said that to be happy you should try and work as hard as you can to make money to buy the things you want.
    • No one – not a single person –– said it’s important to be at least as wealthy as the people around you, and if you have more than they do it’s real success.
    • No one – not a single person –– said you should choose your work based on your desired future earning power.”
  • From: Brody, Jane (2011). 30 Lessons for Living. Penguin Group. p. 57. ISBN 1594630844.
  • English equivalent: Wealth rarely brings happiness.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 670. ISBN 0415096243.

• Divide et impera.
  • Translation: Divide and govern [or conquer]. Attributed to Julius Caesar.
  • English equivalent: Divide and conquer.
  • Meaning: “The best way to conquer or control a group of people is by encouraging them to fight among themselves rather than allowing them to unite in opposition to the ruling authority.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 13 August 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “823”. Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6.

• Docendo discimus.
  • Translation: We learn by teaching. (Seneca)
  • Vahros (1986). Docendo discimus. University Press.

• Duabus ancoris fultus.
  • English equivalent: Good riding at two anchors, men have told, for if the one fails, the other may hold.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ductus Exemplo
  • Translation: Lead by Example.
  • Gray (2009). Embedded: a Marine Corps adviser inside the Iraqi army. Naval Institute Press. p. 74. ISBN 1591143403.

• Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
  • Translation: It is sweet and honorable to die for the fatherland. By Horace, Odes III, 2, 13, frequently quoted on war memorials, and notably in the poem Dulce Et Decorum Est by Wilfred Owen, who calls it “the old lie”.

• Dulce pomum quum abest custos.
  • Translation: Sweet is the apple when the keeper is away.
  • English equivalent: Forbidden fruit is sweetest.
  • Meaning: “Things that you must not have or do are always the most desirable.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 93. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • János Erdélyi (1851). Magyar közmondások könlyve. Nyomatott Kozma Vazulnál. p. 169.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 93.

• Dulcior illa sapit caro, quae magis ossibus haeret.
  • English equivalent: The sweetest flesh is near the bones.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “1666”. Dictionary of European proverbs. II. Routledge. p. 1176. ISBN 0415096243.

• Dum canem caedimus, corrosisse dicitur corrium.
  • Translation: If you want to beat a dog you will easily find a stick.
  • Meaning: Someone who wants to be mean will find things to be mean about no matter what.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 104. ISBN 0415160502.

• Dum satur est venter, gaudet caput inde libenter.
  • Translation: When the belly is full, the head is pleased.
  • English equivalent: Full stomach, contented heart.
  • Cantera Ortiz de Urbina, Jesús (16 November 2005). “768”. Refranero latino. Ediciones Akal. p. 68. ISBN 978-84-460-1296-2.

• Dum spiro, spero.
  • Translation: “As long as I breathe, I hope.” Translated as “While I breathe, I hope” the motto of the State of South Carolina [[1]]
  • Gunter (2000). Dum Spiro, Spero: While I Breathe, I Hope. In His Steps Publishing. pp. 180. ISBN 1585350192.
  • English equivalent: As long as there is life there is hope.

• Dum vivimus, vivamus!
  • Translation: While we live, let us live!
  • Organization) (1972). Dum Vivimus, Vivamus: A Chronicle of the First Century of the Knights of Momus, 1872-1972.

• Dum vita est, spes est.
  • Translation: While there is life, there is hope.
  • Bretzke (1998). Consecrated Phrases: A Latin Theological Dictionary : Latin Expressions Commonly Found in Theological Writings. Liturgical Press. p. 41. ISBN 1.

• Ecce omnis, qui dicit vulgo proverbium, in te assumet illud dicens: Sicut mater, ita et filia ejus.
  • Translation: Behold, every one that useth a common proverb, shall use this against thee, saying, As is the mother, so is her daughter.
  • English equivalent: Like mother, like daughter.
  • Meaning: “Daughters may look and behave like their mothers. This is due to inheritance and the example observed closely and daily.”
  • Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 137. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.

• Effectus sequitir causam.
  • Translation: Effect follows a reason.
  • English equivalent: Every why has a wherefore.
  • Meaning: “Everything has an underlying reason.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 22 September 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 765. ISBN 0415096243.

• Eodem cubito, eadem trutina, pari libra.
  • Translation: The elbow, the same balance, an equal balance.
  • English equivalent: Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1219. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ex granis fit acervus.
  • Translation: A heap is made from grains.
  • English equivalent: Every little helps.
  • Meaning: “All contributions, however small, are of use.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 77. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 20 September 2013.
  • Source for proverbs: Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 26.

• Et ipsa scientia potestas est.
  • Translation: “And knowledge itself, is power” (Francis Bacon, Meditationes sacrae)
  • Djité (2008). The Sociolinguistics of Development in Africa. Multilingual Matters. p. 53. ISBN 1847690459.

• Ex malis moribus bonae leges natae sunt.
  • Translation: Bad customs have given birth to good laws.
  • English equivalent: Good laws have sprung from bad customs.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ex nihilo nihil fit.
  • Translation: “Nothing comes from nothing” (you need to work for something; also the Conservation Law in philosophy and modern science) (Lucretius). This is also a famous Shakespeare quote in King Lear.
  • “If you would have any thing done for you, you must give something, for people will not serve you for nothing.”
  • James Kelly (1818). A Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs Explained and Made Intelligible to the English Reader. Rodwell and Martin. p. 13.
  • Campbell, O’Rourke, Silverstein (2007). Causation and Explanation. Mit Press. p. 291. ISBN 0262033631.

• Exceptio probat regulam in casibus non exceptis.
  • Translation: “The exception confirms the rule in cases not excepted” (Cicero, Pro Balbo)
  • Meaning: If an exception to a rule is explicitly stated (such as a “no right turns on red light” sign at an intersection), that allows one to conclude the general rule to which this is an exception (i.e. “right turns are permitted on red lights unless a sign says otherwise”).
  • English equivalent: “The exception proves the rule” (though this is often used in other senses).

• Excusatio non petita, accusatio manifesta.
  • English equivalent: A guilty conscience needs no accuser.
  • Meaning: “People who know they have done wrong reveal their guilt by the things they say or the way they interpret what other people say.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “243”. Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 227. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6.

• Extremis malis extrema remedia.
  • Translation: Extreme remedies for extreme ills.
  • English equivalent: Desperate diseases must have desperate remedies.
  • Meaning: “Drastic action is called for – and justified – when you find yourself in a particularly difficult situation.”
  • Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 10 August 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 688. ISBN 0415096243.

• Expecta bos olim herba.
  • Translation: Waiting for the grass the cow dies.
  • English equivalent: While the grass grows the steed starves.
  • Meaning: Dreams or expectations may be realized too late.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1228. ISBN 0415096243.

• Facilis descensus Averni.
  • The descent into hell is easy.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 39.

• Factis ut credam facis.
  • English equivalent: No need of words, trust deeds.
  • Meaning: Actions may be, and indeed sometimes are deceptive in a measure though not as much so as words; and accordingly are received in general as more full and satisfactory proofs of the real disposition and character of persons than verbal expressions.
  • Source for meaning:Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order …. Munroe and Company. p. 10.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 91. ISBN 0415096243.

• Festina lente!
  • Translation: Make haste slowly.
  • English equivalent: More speed less haste.
  • English meaning: proceed quickly but with caution, a motto of Marcus Aurelius
  • Rochester Institute of Technology (1980). Festina lente.

• Fides facit fidem.
  • English equivalent: Confidence begets confidence.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 187. ISBN 0415096243.

• Fidite Nemini
  • Translation: Trust no one.
  • Cinderella, The More Things Change (1991)
  • Conciones Adventuales: De De Captivitate Petri, Figurante Captivitatem Peccatoris. Verdussen. 1737. p. 113.

• Finis origine pendet.
  • Translation: The end hangs on the beginning.
  • English equivalent: Such a beginning, such an end.
  • Meaning: The outcome of things depends on how they start.

• Forma bonum fragile est.
  • English equivalent: All that is fair must fade.
  • English meaning: Nothing lasts forever.
  • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 21 September 2013.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 10.

• Fortes fortuna iuvat
  • Translation: Fortune favors the brave. (cf. Audaces fortuna iuvat.) (Terence)
  • Marchesi (2008). The Art of Pliny’s Letters: A Poetics of Allusion in the Private Correspondence. Cambridge University Press. p. 176. ISBN 0521882273.

• Fraus hominum ad perniciem, et integritas ad salutem vocat.
  • English equivalent: Honesty is the best policy.
  • Meaning: Being honest or telling the truth is always the wisest course of action.
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 128. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. X.

• Fronti nulla fides.
  • English equivalent: Appearances deceive.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 124. ISBN 0415160502.

• Generosus equus non curat canem latrantem.
  • English equivalent: The dogs bark but the caravan passes on.
  • “Everyone’s got opinions, but nobody’s got the answers” so let the world say what it will.
  • Thomas Carl Keifer, Somebody Save Me (1987)
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 340. ISBN 0415160502.

• Gloriosum est iniurias oblivisci.
  • English equivalent: Forgive and forget.
  • Rauschen, Geyer, Albers, Zellinger (1933). Florilegium patristicum. P. Hanstein. p. 58.

• Gutta cavat lapidem
  • A drop hollows out the stone. (Ovid, Epistles)

• Gutta cavat lapidem non bis, sed saepe cadendo; sic homo fit sapiens non bis, sed saepe legendo.
  • A drop hollows out the stone by falling not twice, but many times; so too is a person made wise by reading not two, but many books.
  • (Giordano Bruno, Il Candelaio)

• Gutta cavat lapidem non vi, sed saepe cadendo
  • A drop hollows out the stone not by force, but falling many times. (original latin proverb).

• Historia est vitae magistra.
  • Translation: “History is the tutor of life.”
  • Dover, R. and M. S. Goodman Learning from the Secret Past: Cases in British Intelligence History, Georgetown University Press.

• Hodie mihi, cras tibi.
  • Translation: “What’s to me today, tomorrow to you.”
  • English equivalent: The door swings both ways; What goes around comes around.
  • Ferler, J. (1723). Hodie Mihi, Cras Tibi, Gruber.

• Hodie mihi, eras tibi.
  • English equivalent: Each dog has his day.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 22.

• Homines quod volunt credunt.
  • Translation: “Men believe what they want to.” (Julius Caesar)
  • Lautenbach, E. (2002). Latein-Deutsch: Zitaten-Lexikon: Quellennachweise, Lit.

• Homo cogitat, Deus iudicat.
  • Translation: Man proposes but God disposes.
  • Meaning: Things often don’t turn out as you have planned.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 103. ISBN 0415160502.

• Honor sequitir fugientem.
  • Translation: Honor follows the fleeing.
  • English equivalent: Follow glory and it will flee, flee glory and it will follow thee.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 832. ISBN 0415096243.

• Hortamur fari, quo sanguine cretus.
  • English equivalent: Good blood always shows itself.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 34.

• Hostium munera, non munera.
  • Translation: Gifts of enemies are no gifts.
  • Note: “This advice has its root in the story of the Trojan Horse, the treacherous subterfuge by which the Greeks finally overcame their trojan adversaries at the end of the Trojan War.”
  • English equivalent: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
  • Meaning: “Do not trust gifts or favors if they come from an enemy.”
  • Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser; David H. Pickering (2003). The Facts On File Dictionary of Classical and Biblical Allusions. Infobase Publishing. p. 46. ISBN 978-0-8160-4868-7. Retrieved on 1 July 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 855. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ignavum fortuna repugnat.
  • Fortune disdains the lazy.
  • “Don’t yield to that alluring witch, laziness, or else be prepared to surrender all that you have won in your better moments.”
  • Horace, Satires
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 601. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ignorantia legis non excusat
  • Translation: Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 287. ISBN 0415160502.

• Imperare sibi maximum imperium est.
  • Translation: To rule yourself is the ultimate power. (Seneca)
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 915. ISBN 0415096243.

• Improbe Neptunum accusat, qui iterum naufragiam facit.
  • English equivalent: He complains wrongfully at the sea that suffer shipwreck twice.
  • Meaning: Don’t do the same thing again and expect different results.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 898. ISBN 0415096243.

• In dubio, abstine.
  • Translation: When in doubt, abstain.
  • English equivalent: When in doubt, leave it out.
  • Meaning: “If you are unsure what to do, it is best to do nothing at all.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 296. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1223. ISBN 0415096243.

• In dubio pro reo.
  • Translation: “When in doubt, in favour of the accused”. (Corpus Juris Civilis)
  • Stree, W. (1962). In dubio pro reo, Mohr.

• In iudicando criminosa est celeritas.
  • Translation: Hasty judgments are criminal.
  • English equivalent: Hasty judgment leads to repentance.
  • Meaning: A quick evaluation is a terrible evaluation.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 196. ISBN 0415096243.

• In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas
  • Translation: “In necessary things unity, in doubtful things liberty, in all things charity” (often misattributed to St Augustine).
  • Bretzke, J. T. (1998). Consecrated Phrases: A Latin Theological Dictionary : Latin Expressions Commonly Found in Theological Writings, Liturgical Press.

• In nullum avarus bonus est, in se pessimus.
  • English equivalent: The covetous man is good to none and worst to himself.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 83. ISBN 0415096243.

• In propria causa nemo debet esse iudex.
  • Translation: No one should be the judge in his own trial.
  • English equivalent: No one can be the judge in his own case.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1038. ISBN 0415096243.

• In risu agnoscitur fatuus.
  • English equivalent: A fool is ever laughing.
  • Emanuel Strauss (1994). “137”. Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 102. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6.

• In vino veritas.
  • Translation: There is truth in vine.
  • English equivalent: In wine there is truth.
  • Meaning: Alcohol consumed removes the inhibition against telling the truth that occasionally one would like to keep secret.
  • Source for meaning and proverbs: Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 272. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.

• Inimicum quamvis humilem docti est metuere.
  • Idiomatic and literal translation: There is no little enemy.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 718. ISBN 0415096243.
  • Literal translation: The wise man must fear a humble enemy.

• Innumeras curas secum adferunt liberi.
  • Translation: Children bring with them countless cares.
  • English equivalent: Children are uncertain comforts but certain cares.
  • Meaning: “Children are bound to cause their parents anxiety, and may or may not also bring them joy.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 40. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 2 August 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 654. ISBN 0415096243.

• Intemperans adulescentia effetum corpus tradit senectuti.
  • English equivalent: They who would be young when they are old must be old when they are young.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “1605”. Dictionary of European proverbs. II. Routledge. p. 1151. ISBN 0415096243.

• Inter gladium et iugulum.
  • English equivalent: Don’t go between the tree and the bark.
  • Meaning: Do not interfere when two parts are having an argument.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 729. ISBN 0415096243.

• Interdum stultus bene loquitur.’
  • English equivalent: ”A fool may give a wise man counsel.”
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 40. ISBN 0415160502.

• Ira furor brevis est.
  • Translation: “Anger is brief insanity” (Horace, epistles I, 2, 62).
  • Meaning: If you are mad, count to twenty.
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Iter per praecepta longum, per exempla, breve et efficax.
  • English equivalent: Example is better than precept.
  • “Every man I meet is in some way my superior; and in that I can learn of him.”
  • Ralph Waldo Emerson, As quoted in Think, Vol. 4-5 (1938), p. 32
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 28.

• Iucundum est narrare sua mala.
  • English equivalent: A problem shared is a problem halved.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 351. ISBN 0415096243.

• “Latet enim veritas, sed nihil pretiosius veritate” Francisco Sanchez de las Brozas (Minerva I, 1, 40, 16).
  • Translation: “Truth is hidden, but nothing is more beautiful than the truth”
  • “As to the quantity of absolute truth in a thought: it seems to me the more comprehensive and unobjectionable a thought becomes, the more clumsy and unexciting it gets. I like half-truths of a certain kind — they are interesting and they stimulate.”
  • Eric Hoffer, Entry (1950)
  • de las Brozas, F. S. (1754). Minerva, sive de causis latinae linguae commentarius.

• Lumen soli mutuum das.
  • Translation: You are lending light to the sun.
  • Note: Said of persons who affect to explain what is perfectly clear and intelligible.
  • Source of proverb & meaning: H. T. Riley Dictionary of Latin Quotations, Proverbs, Maxims, and Mottos, &c. (1866), p. 210.

• Macte animo! Generose puer sic itur ad astra!
  • Translation: “Be strong, young man! Through this way one gets to the stars.” (Motto of the Brazilian Air Force Academy)
  • Chateaubriand, F. R. and A. T. de Mattos (1902). The memoirs of François René, vicomte de Chateaubriand, sometime ambassador to England: being a translation by Alexander Teixeira de Mattos of the Mémoires d’outre-tombe, with illustrations from contemporary sources, Freemantle and co.

• Mala herba cito crescit
  • Translation: “Weeds grow fast.”
  • Bezemer, K. (2005). Pierre de Belleperche: Portrait of a Legal Puritan, Klostermann.

• Mala hostibus eveniant.
  • English equivalent: Shame take him that shame thinketh.
  • “Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”
  • Robert J. Hanlon, Murphy’s Law Book Two : More Reasons Why Things Go Wrong! (1980)
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. entry 806. ISBN 0415096243.

• Mali principii malus finis.
  • Translation: Bad beginnings lead to bad results.
  • English equivalent: A bad beginning makes a bad ending.
  • “It is as impossible that a system radically erroneous, once commenced, should end well, as it is that a mathematical problem, commenced wrong, should come out right.”
  • Source for meaning: William Henry Porter (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order …. Munroe and Company. p. 202.
  • Latin proverbs and quotations: With translations and parallel passages and a copious English index. S. Low, son, and Marston. 1869. p. 214.

• Malum consilium quod mutari non potest.
  • Translation: “It is a bad plan that cannot be changed (A plan that cannot be changed is a bad one).”
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge

• Malo nodo malus quaerendus cuneus.
  • English equivalent: Desperate diseases must have desperate remedies.
  • Meaning: “Drastic action is called for – and justified – when you find yourself in a particularly difficult situation.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 10 August 2013.
  • Emanuel Strauss (1994). “812”. Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 552. ISBN 978-1-136-78978-6. Retrieved on 10 August 2013.

• Malum quidem nullum esse sine aliquo bono.
  • Translation: “There is, to be sure, no evil without something good.”
  • Watasin, E. The Dark Victorian: Risen, A-Girl Studio.
  • English equivalent: Every cloud has its silver lining.

• Manus manum lavat
  • Translation: “One hand washes the other.”
  • Houdt, T. (2002). Self-Presentation and Social Identification: The Rhetoric and Pragmatics of Letter Writing in Early Modern TImes, Leuven University Press.

• Mater artium necessitas.
  • Translation: “Necessity is the mother of invention” (Apuleius)
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 989. ISBN 0415096243.

• Maxima debetur puero reverentia
  • Translation: “One owes the greatest possible care for the child” (Juvenal)
  • Tegnér, E. and L. F. C. W. Böttiger (1849). Esaias Tegnérs samlade skrifter.

• Medicus curat, natura sanat
  • Translation: “The doctor cares [for his patient], nature heals [him].” or “Doctor cures, nature saves”
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 869. ISBN 0415096243.

• Melium est nomen bonum quam divitae multae.
  • English equivalent: A good name is the best of all treasures.
  • “If a man has good corn, or wood, or boards, or pigs to sell, or can make better chairs or knives, crucibles, or church organs, than anybody else, you will find a broad, hard-beaten road to his house, tho it be in the woods. ’tis certain that the secret can not be kept: the first witness tells it to a second, and men go by fives and tens and fifties to his door.”
  • Ralph Waldo Emerson, Works, Volume VIII. In his Journal. (1855), p. 528. (Ed. 1912)
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 33. ISBN 0415160502.

• Memento mori.
  • Translation: Remember that you are going to die.
  • “Death is a friend of ours; and he that is not ready to entertain him is not at home.”
  • Francis Bacon, An Essay on Death published in The Remaines of the Right Honourable Francis Lord Verulam (1648) but may not have been written by Bacon
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1151. ISBN 0415096243.

• Mendacem memorem esse oportet.
  • English equivalent: A liar should have a good memory.
  • Meaning: “Liars must remember the untruths they have told, to avoid contradicting themselves at some later date.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 167. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “274”. Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 257. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7. Retrieved on 24 November 2013.

• Mens regnum bona possidet.
  • English equivalent: His own desire leads every man.
  • “There is nothing man will not attempt when great enterprises hold out the promise of great rewards.”
  • Livy, History of Rome
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243.

• Merx ultronea putet.
  • Translation and English equivalent: Proffered service stinks.
  • Proverbs, Chiefly Taken from the Adagia of Erasmus with Explanations: And Further Illustrated by Corresponding Examples from the Spanish, Italian, French & English Languages. T. Egerton. 1814. p. 201.

• Misera fortuna, qui caret inimico.
  • Translation: It is a wretched fate which is absent enemies.
  • English equivalent: If you have no enemies it is a sign that fortune has forgotten you; People throw stones only at trees with fruit on them.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1008. ISBN 0415096243.

• Mobiles ad superstitionem perculsae semel mentes
  • Translation: “Minds once cowed are prone to superstition.”
  • Tacitus, “Agricola”, 1.28

• Mulier est hominis confusio.
  • Translation: “Woman is man’s ruin.”
  • “Part of a comic definition of woman” from the Altercatio Hadriani Augusti et Secundi.^[2] Famously quoted by Chauntecleer in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales’’.

• Multum clamoris, parum lanae.
  • Translation and English equivalent: Great cry and little wool.
  • Meaning: “Much ado about nothing.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Keating, Walter (1859). Proverbs of All Nations. W. Kent & Company (late D. Bogue). p. 128.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “178”. Dictionary of European Proverbs. II. Routledge. p. 173. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.

• Mundus vult decipi, ergo decipiatur.
  • Translation: The world desires to be deceived; therefore it is. (Attributed to Petronius)
  • English equivalent: The world wants to be taken in.
  • Thompson, J., C. The University of Arizona. Rhetoric, et al. (2008). “A Kind of Thing that Might Be”: Toward a Poetics of New Media, University of Arizona.

• Ne eligat is qui donum accipit.
  • English equivalent: Beggars can’t be choosers.
  • “We must accept with gratitude and without complaint what we are given when we do not have the means or opportunity to provide ourselves with something better.”
  • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 19. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 16.

• Ne puero gladium.
  • Do not give a child a sword.
  • H. T. Riley Dictionary of Latin Quotations, Proverbs, Maxims, and Mottos, &c. (1866), p. 249.

• Ne quid expectes amicos, quod tute agere possis.
  • Translation: Expect nothing from friends, do what you can do yourself.
  • English equivalent: For what thou canst do thyself, rely not on another.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 600. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ne quid nimis
  • Translation: “Nothing too much”, moderation in all thing (Terence)
  • “Work and play they’re never okay to mix.”
  • Jimmy Eat World taken from their song “Work”.
  • Kierkegaard, S. (2008). Sickness Unto Death, Wilder Publications.

• Ne sutor supra crepidam
  • English equivalent: A blind man should not judge of colours.
  • “An uneducated man cannot judge of the attainments of the learned.”
  • M. W. Carr (1868). A Collection of Telugu Proverbs translated, illustrated and explained; together with some Sanscrit Proverbs printed in the Devanâgarî and Telugu Characters: By M. W. Carr. A Supplement to the Collection of Telugu Proverbs: containing additional Proverbs, an Index verborum, and an index to the European Proverbs quoted in illustration. Christian Knowledge Society’s Press. p. 141.
  • Carlyle, T., J. Ruskin, et al. (1982). The Correspondence of Thomas Carlyle and John Ruskin, Stanford University Press.

• Nemo regere potest nisi qui et regi.
  • English equivalent: Who has not served cannot command.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 758. ISBN 0415096243.

• Nemo iudex in causa sua.
  • Translation: “No one is a judge in his own case”.
  • Boczek, B. A. (2005). International Law: A Dictionary, Scarecrow Press.

• Nescis quid serus vesper vehat.
  • Translation: “You know not what night-fall may bring.”
  • H. T. Riley Dictionary of Latin Quotations, Proverbs, Maxims, and Mottos, &c. (1866), p. 261.

• Nihil ægrius quam disciplinam accipimus.
  • Translation: We receive nothing with so much reluctance as instruction.
  • Note: Specified as a Roman proverb in the source.
  • English equivalent: Advice most needed is the least heeded.
  • Stone (2006). Routledge Dictionary of World Proverbs. Taylor \& Francis. p. 8.

• Nitidae vestes ornatiorem reddunt.
  • English equivalent: Fine feathers make fine birds.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 30.

• In nocte consilium.
  • The night brings counsel.
  • English equivalent: Take counsel of one’s pillow.
  • Note: Specified as a Latin proverb in the source.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 63.

• Non alios suo modulo metiri.
  • English equivalent: Do not judge others by your own yardstick.
  • “l often went fishing up in Maine during the summer. Personally I am very fond of strawberries and cream, but I have found that for some strange reason fish prefer worms.”
  • Dale Carnegie, How to win friends and influence people (1933)
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 22.

• Non capiunt lepores tympana rauca leves.
  • English equivalent: Drumming is not the way to catch a hare.
  • Meaning: Don’t expect anyone to change his ways by scolding him.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 754. ISBN 0415096243.

• Nocere facile est, prodesse difficile.
  • English translation: It is easy to do harm, difficult to do good. [2]
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 718. ISBN 0415096243.

• Non nobis solum nati sumus
  • Translation: “We are not born for ourselves alone”
  • Meaning: Each one of us carries a responsibility for the whole world.
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Non olet
  • Translation: “It [money] doesn’t smell” (according to Suetonius, Emperor Vespasian was challenged by his son Titus for taxing the public lavatories, the emperor held up a coin before his son and asked whether it smelled)
  • Ferlosio, R. S. (2005). Non olet, Destino.

• Non opus est follo suspendere tympana collo.
  • Translation: A fool does not need any bells.
  • English equivalent: A tongue of a fool carves a piece of his heart to all that sit near him.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 136. ISBN 0415096243.

• Non quia difficilia sunt non audemus, sed quia non audemus, difficilia sunt.
  • Translation: “It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, but because we do not dare, things are difficult.” (Seneca, Letter to Lucilius, letter 104, section 26, line 5)
  • Gresley, W. (1835). Ecclesiastes Anglicanus: being a treatise on preaching, as adapted to a Church of England congregation : in a series of letters to a young clergyman, printed for J. G. F. & J. Rivington.

• Non scholae, sed vitae discimus.
  • Translation: “We learn not for school but for life.” (Seneca’s original quotation is “Non vitae, sed scholae discimus.”)
  • “Education, therefore, is a process of living and not a preparation for future living.”
  • John Dewey, My Pedagogic Creed (1897)
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Non semper erit aestas.
  • Translation: “It will not always be summer.” (be prepared for hard times)
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Nulla poena sine lege
  • Translation: “No punishment without a law.”
  • Nulla Poena Sine Lege. E.j. Brill, Leiden 1934, Brill Archive.

• Nulla regula sine exceptione.
  • Translation: “No rule without exception.”
  • (1869). Hygiea.

• Nulli tacuisse nocet, tutum silentii premium.
  • English equivalent: Least said, soonest mended.
  • Meaning: “In private animosities and verbal contentions, where angry passions are apt to rise, and irritating, if not profane expressions are often made use of, as we sometimes see to be the case, not only among neighbors, but in families, between husbands and wives, or parents and children, or the children themselves and other members of the household, – the least said, the better in general. By multiplying words, cases often grow worse instead of better.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Porter, William Henry (1845). Proverbs: Arranged in Alphabetical Order …. Munroe and Company. pp. 125.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 53.

• Nullus est liber tam mallus, ut non aliqua parte prosit.
  • English equivalent: No book was so bad, but some good might be got out of it.
  • Meaning: You might typically get something good out of an overall faulty book, especially a non fictional one, such as sound advice or anecdotes to tell others.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1104. ISBN 0415096243.

• Oblata arripe.
  • English equivalent: When the pig is proffered, hold up the poke.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1226. ISBN 0415096243.

• Occidit miseros crambe repetita magistros.
  • English equivalent: Take heed of enemies reconciled and of meat twice boiled.
  • Meaning: Your former enemies might cunningly take revenge on you just out of spite.; Trust not a reconciled enemy more than an open foe.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 0415160502.

• Oculus animi index.
  • Translation: Eyes are the index of the mind.
  • English equivalent: The eye looks but it is the mind that sees.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1175. ISBN 0415096243.

• Omnia cum pretio.
  • Translation: All things (in rome) have their price. Original “omnia Romae cum pretio” Juvenal
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1111. ISBN 0415096243.

• Omnibus se accomodat rebus, omnia novit.
  • Translation: He who applies himself to all things, knows all things.
  • English equivalent: All is fish that comes to net.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4.

• Omnium artium medicina nobilissima est.
  • Translation: Medicine is the noblest of all arts.
  • Lautenbach, E. (2002). Latein-Deutsch: Zitaten-Lexikon: Quellennachweise, Lit.

• Onorate il senno antico.
  • English equivalent: Grey hairs are honorable.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 35.

• Oratores fuint, poetae nascuntur.
  • English equivalent: Poets are born, but orators are trained.
  • Meaning: Some things can be improved by training, others require innate talent.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 331. ISBN 0415160502.

• Optimi natatores saepius submerguntur.
  • English equivalent: Good swimmers are often drowned.
  • Meaning: Beware of letting your competence lead you into overconfidence.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 879. ISBN 0415096243.

• Optimum medicamentum quies est.
  • Translation: Rest is the best medicine.
  • Arnott, J. (1845). Appendix to an essay on therapeutical inquiry, containing the application of plans of treatment noticed therein to the practice of midwifery.

• Otia dant vitia.
  • English equivalent: Idle hands are the devils playthings.
  • “No thoroughly occupied man was ever yet very miserable.”
  • Letitia Elizabeth Landon Romance and Reality (1831) Vol. II, page 108
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 710. ISBN 0415096243.

• Pacta sunt servanda
  • Translation: “Agreements must be honoured.”
  • Hasan, A. M. (2005). Pacta sunt servanda: the principle and its application in petroleum production sharing contract, Fikahati Aneska.

• Pars est beneficii quod petitur si cito neges.
  • Translation: A prompt refusal has in part the grace of a favour granted.
  • “Friendship … flourishes not so much by kindnesses as by sincerity.”
  • Étienne de la Boétie, Discourse of Voluntary Servitude, Part 3
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations (W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue) ed.). p. 147.

• Pax melior est quam iustissimum bellum.
  • Translation: “Peace is better than the most just war.”
  • Clure, A. M. Les HazArts Légendaires, Annie Mc Clure.

• Pede poena claudo.
  • Translation: “Punishment comes limping.”
  • English equivalent: Punishment is lame, but it comes.
  • Valerius, J. D. (1855). Samlade vitterhets-arbeten, Norstedt.

• Periculum in mora.
  • Translation: [There’s] danger in delay. (Livy)
  • English equivalent: Delays are dangerous.
  • Meaning: “Hesitation or procastination may lead to trouble or disaster.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 53. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 10 August 2013.
  • Ruder, G. (1766). Om rikets swåra öde, och huru det kan förekommas. Periculum in mora.

• Philosophum non facit barba.
  • Translation: “A beard doesn’t make a philosopher.” (Plutarch)
  • ‘”The educated don’t get that way by memorizing facts; they get that way by respecting them.”
  • Tom Heehler, The Well-Spoken Thesaurus (2011).
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 117. ISBN 0415160502.

• Plus ultra
  • Translation: “Further Beyond”, Spanish Motto.

• Piscem vorat maior minorem.
  • Translation: The large fishes eats the small ones.
  • Meaning: “Small organizations or insignificant people tend to be swallowed up or destroyed by those that are greater and more powerful.”
  • Source for meaning: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 27. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 1 July 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1086. ISBN 0415096243.

• Post prandium stabis, post coenam ambulabis.
  • Translation: “After dinner, rest a while, after supper walk a mile.”
  • Source: Hugh Moore (1831). A Dictionary of Quotations. p. 314.

• Potius sero quam numquam
  • Translation: “Better late then never” (Livy)
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 166. ISBN 0415160502.

• Praemonitus, praemunitus
  • Translation: “Forewarned (is) forearmed”
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 563. ISBN 0415160502.

• Praesentem mulge, fugientem quid insequeris.
  • Translation: Milk today, for what you are aiming for is fleeing.
  • English equivalent: One today is worth two tomorrows.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1137. ISBN 0415096243.

• Praestat cautela quam medela.
  • English equivalent: Prevention is better than cure.
  • Meaning: Precaution is infinitely better than remedial measures.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 881. ISBN 0415096243.

• Praemonitus, praemunitus.
  • English equivalent: Forewarned, forearmed.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). “401”. Dictionary of European Proverbs. I. Routledge. p. 364. ISBN 978-1-134-86460-7.

• Publica fama non semper vana.
  • Translation: Provided common, commonly true.
  • English equivalent: Common fame is often to blame.
  • Meaning: A general disrepute is often true.
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 45. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 4 August 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 662. ISBN 0415096243.

• Pulverulenta novis bene verritur area scopis.
  • English equivalent: “New brooms sweep clean.”
  • Meaning: Newcomers are the most ambitious.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1103. ISBN 0415096243.

• Qualis rex, talis grex
  • Translation: Like king, like people.
  • “The people are fashioned according to the example of their kings; and edicts are of less power than the life of the ruler.”
  • Claudianus, De Quarto Consulatu Honorii Augustii Panegyris, CCXCIX.
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Qualis pagatio, talis laboratio.
  • Translation: What pay, such work.
  • English equivalent: You get what you pay for.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 494. ISBN 0415096243.

• Quam bene vivas refert, non quam diu.
  • Translation: How well you live makes a difference, not how long. (Seneca)
  • Haase, W. and H. Temporini (1983). Aufstieg und Niedergang Der Römischen Welt: Geschichte und Kultur Roms Im Spiegel Der Neueren Forschung, Walter de Gruyter.

• Quantum Satis.
  • Translation: As much as needed, enough.
  • Rundkvist, A. (1968). Quantum satis: så mycket som är tillräckligt ; aforismer, skaldeord och citat från skilda tider om livet och människan, Rundqvists Bokförlag.

• Quem di diligunt, adulescens moritur
  • Translation: “Whom the gods love dies young” (Plautus, Bacchides, IV, 7, 18). In the comic play, a sarcastic servant says this to his aging master. The rest of the sentence reads: dum valet, sentit, sapit, “while he is full of health, perception and judgement.”
  • Morris, G. (2009). Angel Train, B&H Publishing Group.

• Quem dii odere, paedagogum fecere (also Quem dii oderunt, paedagogum fecerunt)
  • Translation: “Whom the gods hated, they made them pedagogues”
  • Moritz, K. P. Anton Reiser: Ein Psychologischer Roman, tredition.

• Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
  • Translation:: Who watches the watchmen?
  • Satires by Juvenal [3]

• Qui dormit non peccat.
  • Translation: “He who sleeps does not sin”
  • Archer, P. and L. Archer 500 Foreign Words and Phrases You Should Know to Sound Smart: Terms to Demonstrate Your Savoir Faire, Chutzpah, and Bravado, F+W Media.

• Qui habet aures audiendi audiat
  • Translation: “Those who have ears to hear, hear!” (Vulgate, Matthew 11:15)
  • English equivalent: Nature gave us two ears and one mouth.
  • Collins, J. F. (1985). A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin, Catholic University of America Press.

• Qui non est hodie, cras minus aptus erit.
  • Translation: He who is not ready today, will be less so tomorrow.
  • English equivalent: He that will not when he may, when he will he may have nay.
  • Meaning: “Take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself, even if you do not want or need it at the time, because it may no longer be available when you do.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent:Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 120. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Kelly, Walter Keating (1859). Proverbs of all nations. W. Kent & co. (late D. Bogue). p. 41.

• Qui me amat, amet et canem meum.
  • English equivalent: Love me, love my dog.
  • Meaning: If you love someone, you will virtually like everything about him.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 953. ISBN 0415096243.

• Qui audet adipiscitur.
  • Translation: He who dares wins.
  • Ekaterina Walter (18 December 2012). Think Like Zuck: The Five Business Secrets of Facebook’s Improbably Brilliant CEO Mark Zuckerberg. McGraw Hill Professional. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-07-180949-8. Retrieved on 14 August 2013.

• Qui multum habet, plus cupit.
  • Translation: He who has much desires more. (Seneca)
  • Swedish equivalent: Much wants more.
  • Jones, P. V. and K. C. Sidwell (1986). Reading Latin: Grammar, Vocabulary and Exercises, Cambridge University Press.

• Qui nimis capit, parum stringit.
  • English equivalent: Don’t have too many irons in the fire.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 977. ISBN 0415096243.

• Qui non proficit, deficit.
  • Translation: “He who does not go forward, loses ground.” or “He who does not accomplish anything, is a failure/has shortcomings.”
  • English equivalent: He who does not advance goes backwards.
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Qui primus venerit, primus verat.
  • English equivalent: First come, first served.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 32.

• Qui pro innocente dicit, satis est eloquens.
  • Translation: “He who speaks for the innocent is eloquent enough.” (Publilius Syrus)
  • Chambers, P. L. (2007). Latin Alive and Well: An Introductory Text, University of Oklahoma Press.

• Qui rogat, non errat.
  • Translation: “(One) who asks, doesn’t err.”
  • English equivalent: The only stupid question is the one not asked.
  • Mimbar Altar, Kanisius.

• Qui scribit, bis legit.
  • Translation: “Who writes, reads twice.”
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Qui tacet consentire videtur, ubi loqui debuit ac potuit.
  • Translation: “Who is silent, when he ought to and might have spoken, is seen to agree.”
  • Schlesinger, R. B., P. G. Bonassies, et al. (1968). Formation of contracts: a study of the common core of legal systems, conducted under the auspices of the General principles of law project of the Cornell Law School, Oceana Publications.

• Qui transtulit sustinet.
  • Translation: “He who transplanted still sustains.” (motto of Connecticut referring to the transplantation of settlers from England to the New World.)
  • Caughman, G., J. Devine, et al. (1997). Qui Transtulit Sustinet.

• Qui vitulum tollit, taurum subduxerit idem .
  • English equivalent: He that steals an egg will steal an ox.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 962. ISBN 0415096243.

• Qui vult dare parva non debet magna rogare.
  • Translation: “He who wishes to give little shouldn’t ask for much.”
  • Crawford, G. A. and U. o. M. L. Workshop (1963). Elementary Latin: the basic structures, University of Michigan Press.

• Quidquid agis, prudenter agas, et respice finem!
  • Translation: Whatever you do, may you do it prudently, and look to the end!
  • English equivalent: Whatever you do, act wisely, and consider the end.
  • Timmer, M. Van Anima tot Zeus / druk 1: encyclopedie van begrippen uit de mythologie, religie, alchemie, cultuurgeschiedenis en jungiaanse psychologie, Lemniscaat.

• Quidquid discis, tibi discis
  • Translation: “Whatever you learn, you learn it for yourself.”
  • Arbiter, P. and W. D. Lowe (1905). Petronii Cena Trimalchionis, D. Bell and co.

• Quidquid latine dictum, altum videtur.
  • Translation: “Whatever is said in Latin seems profound.”
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 965. ISBN 0415096243.

• Quieta non movere
  • Translation: “Don’t move settled things” (i.e. “Don’t rock the boat”, “Let sleeping dogs lie.”)
  • McKenna, M. (1996). The Captive Republic: A History of Republicanism in Australia, 1788-1996, Cambridge University Press.

• Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
  • Translation: “Who will watch the watchers themselves?” or “Who will guard the guardians themselves?” (Juvenal)
  • Brown-John, C. L. (1981). Canadian regulatory agencies: quis custodiet ipsos custodes?, Butterworths.

• Quod gratis asseritur, gratis negatur.
  • Translation: What is asserted gratuitously may be denied gratuitously.
  • Variants: What is asserted without evidence/proof/reason, may/can be dismissed/denied without evidence/proof/reason.
  • Jon R. Stone, The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations (2005), p. 101. Anonymous, widely used since at least the early 19th century (e.g. The Classical Journal , Vol. 40 (1829), p. 312).
  • See also: Hitchens’s razor

• Quod nocet, saepe docet
  • Translation: “That which harms, often teaches”
  • Meaning: Unpleasant experiences will make you wiser.
  • English equivalent: What does not kill you makes you stronger.
  • Hoffmann, K. J. (1836). Doppelte aus dem Klassikern gewählte Beispielsammlung für die Syntax der kleinen und grossen Grammatik von Zumpt: nebst einer Beispielsammlung für die Syntaxis ornata und einem Lesenbuche für Anfänger, Dümmler.

• Rapiamus, amici, occasionem de die.
  • English equivalent: Opportunity knocks only once.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 400. ISBN 0415096243.

• Rem tene verba sequentur.
  • Translation: Stick to the subject and the words will follow. (Marcus Porcius Cato)
  • Colish, M. L. (1985). The Stoic Tradition from Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages, E.J. Brill.

• Repetita iuvant.
  • Translation: “Repetition is useful”, or “Repeating things helps”.
  • Ghislotti, S. (2008). Repetita iuvant. Mnemotecniche del film narrativo, Sestante.

• Repetitio est mater studiorum.
  • Translation: Repetition is the mother of study.
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Roma die uno non aedificata est
  • Translation: Rome wasn’t built in a day.
  • Kudla, H. (2001). Lexikon der lateinischen Zitate: 3500 Originale mit Übersetzungen und Belegstellen, Beck.

• Salus aegroti suprema lex.
  • Translation: The well-being of the patient is the most important law.
  • Source: Giesen, Dieter (1988). International Medical Malpractice Law: A Comparative Law Study of Civil Liability Arising from Medical Care. BRILL. p. 457. ISBN 3166453229.

• Salus populi suprema lex esto.
  • Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law. (motto of the U.S. state of Missouri).
  • “Ideally, our rules should be formed in such a fashion that an ordinary helpful kind thoughtful person doesn’t really even need to know the rules. You just get to work, do something fun, and nobody hassles you as long as you are being thoughtful and kind.”
  • Jimbo Wales, User talk statement (7 April 2005)
  • Source: Giesen, Dieter (1988). International Medical Malpractice Law: A Comparative Law Study of Civil Liability Arising from Medical Care. BRILL. p. 457. ISBN 3166453229.

• Sapere aude.
  • Translation: Dare to be wise. (Horace) (Motto of the University of New Brunswick)
  • Zanda, Rubene (2004). Sapere aude!: critical thinking in university studies in Latvia. pp. 135. ISBN 9984770648.

• Sapiens dominabitur astris.
  • Translation: A wise (man) will rule (or possibly, be ruled by) the stars.
  • Alt. Translation “A Wise Man Is Limited By The Stars”
  • Glick, Thomas F (2005). Medieval Science, Technology, and Medicine: An Encyclopedia. Routledge. p. 62. ISBN 0415969301.

• Sapiens omnia sua secum portat
  • Translation: A wise man takes everything he owns with himself. (i.e. in his head, his wealth is his wisdom)
  • English equivalent: A good mind possess a kingdom.
  • “Sciences contained in books, (such of them at least as are made up of probable reasonings, without demonstrations), composed as they are of the opinions of many different individuals massed together, are farther removed from truth than the simple inferences which a man of good sense using his natural and unprejudiced judgment draws respecting the matters of his experience.”
  • René Descartes, Discourse on Method, J. Veitch, trans. (1899), part 2, p. 13.

• • J. Henle, Robert (1980). Latin Grammar. Loyola Press. p. 195. ISBN 0829401121.

• Sapientia abscondita et thesaurus invisus quae utilitas in utrisque.
  • English equivalent: You can’t take it with you.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1013. ISBN 0415096243.

• Sapientia est potentia.
  • Translation: Wisdom is power.
  • Gulsun, Namik (2012). Master of Puppets: Seeds of Fate. AuthorHouse. p. 99. ISBN 1467881694.

• Scientia non habet inimicum nisi ignorantem.
  • Translation: Knowledge has no enemies but the ignorant.
  • Milton Martin, Richard (1980). Primordiality, Science, and Value. SUNY Press. p. 148. ISBN 0873954432.

• Senatores boni viri, senatus autem mala bestia
  • Translation: Senators are good men, however Senate is a malicious animal
  • Sedláček, Tomáš (2011). Economics of Good and Evil: The Quest for Economic Meaning from Gilgamesh to Wall Street. Oxford University Press. p. 266. ISBN 0199767203.

• Sermo hominum mores et celat et indicat idem.
  • English equivalent: Men talk only to conceal the mind.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1088. ISBN 0415096243.

• Sepem vir calcat ibi plus ubi passio exstat.
  • English equivalent: Men leap over where the hedge is lower.
  • Note: Also knows as the Law of least effort.
  • Meaning: Always do things in a way that requires the absolut least amount of labor.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1087. ISBN 0415096243.

• Serpens, nisi serpentem comederit, non fit draco.
  • Translation: A serpent, if it does not devour a serpent, does not become a dragon.
  • Francis Bacon, Essays (1612), apparently translating a Greek proverb.^[3]
  • Michael Apostolius, Proverbs (15th century), translates the Greek proverb: Serpens nisi serpentem edat, non fiet draco.^[4]
  • Erasmus, Adages (16th century), translates the Greek proverb: Serpens ni edat serpentem, draco non fiet.^[5]
  • Attributed to Pliny the Elder (Natural History, c. 77-79 AD) by Richard Brathwaite,^[6] but Robert Nares believes Brathwaite is mistaken.^[3] A search of the text returns many remarks on dragons and serpents, but nothing like this statement.

• Si cazares, no te alabes; si no cazares, no te enfades.
  • English equivalent: If fortune favours, beware of being exalted; if fortune thunders, beware of being overwhelmed.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1001. ISBN 0415096243.

• Si fueris Romae, Romano vivito more, si fueris alibi, vivito sicut ibi.
  • Translation: If you are in Rome, live in the Roman way, if you are somewhere else, live like there. (attributed to Ambrose of Milan)
  • English equivalent: When in Rome, do as the Romans.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 673. ISBN 0415096243.

• Si hîc esses, seires qua me vellicent.
  • English equivalent: No one knows where the shoe pinches, but he who wears it.
  • Meaning: “Nobody can fully understand another person’s hardship or suffering.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 289. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 4.

• Sic Parvis Magna.
  • Translation: “Greatness from Small Beginnings.”
  • Burke, Bernard (1864). The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and wales: comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the present time. Harrison & sons. p. 299.

• Silent leges inter arma.
  • Translation: “During war, laws are silent.” (Cicero)
  • Walzer, Michael (2006). Just And Unjust Wars: A Moral Argument With Historical Illustrations. Basic Books. p. 3. ISBN 0465037070.

• Similia similibus.
  • English equivalent: Like will to like.
  • “Every man loves well what is like to himself.”
  • Folk-Etymology. Ardent Media. 1886. p. 216.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 51.

• Si vis pacem, para bellum.
  • Translation: “If you want peace, prepare for war.”
  • Paraphrase of Igitur qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum (Vegetius, Epitoma rei militaris)
  • Origin of the name parabellum for some ammunition and firearms, e.g. Luger parabellum
  • Wallerfelt, Bengt (1999). Si VIS Pacem, Para Bellum: Svensk Sakerhetspolitik Och Krigsplanering 1945-1975. Probus. p. X. ISBN 9187184605.

• Si vis pacem, para iustitiam.
  • Translation: “If you want peace, prepare justice.”
  • Keogh, Dermot (2008). Gerald Goldberg: A Tribute. Mercier Press Ltd. p. 169. ISBN 1856355810.

• Silent enim leges inter arma
  • Translation: “Laws are silent in times of war”
  • Cryer, Friman (2010). An Introduction to International Criminal Law and Procedure. Cambridge University Press. p. 270. ISBN 0521135818.

• Simia est simia, etiasmi purpura vestiatur.
  • English equivalent: “A golden bit does not make the horse any better.”
  • Meaning: An ugly thing will remain ugly even if its appeareance is taken care of.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1998). Concise Dictionary of European Proverbs (Abbreviated ed.). Routledge. p. 52. ISBN 0415160502.

• Some remedies are worse than the disease.
  • Note: Specified as a Roman proverb in the source.
  • Stone (2006). Routledge Dictionary of World Proverbs. Taylor \& Francis. p. 357.

• Stultorum est se alienis immiscere negotiis.
  • English equivalent: Give neither salt nor counsel till you are asked for it.
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 60.

• Sua cuique sponsa, mihi mea; suum cuique pulchrum.
  • English equivalent: Every man thinks his own geese swans.
  • “This proverb imitates that an inbred Philauty runs through the whole Race of Flefh and Blood. It blinds the Underftanding, perverts the Judgment and depraves the Reafon of the Diftinguishers of Truth and Falfity.”
  • Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721 [4]
  • Mawr, E.B. (1885). Analogous Proverbs in Ten Languages. p. 42.

• Summum ius summa inuria.
  • Translation: “More law, less justice.” (Cicero, De officiis I, 10, 33)
  • Whittaker, Simon (2000). Good Faith in European Contract Law. Cambridge University Press. p. 65. ISBN 0521771900.

• Sunt facta verbis difficiliora
  • Translation: “Works are harder than words.”
  • English equivalent: “Easier said than done.”
  • Shackleton-Bailey, D. R. (2004). Cicero: Epistulae Ad Quintum Fratrem Et M. Brutum. Cambridge University Press. p. 49. ISBN 0521607000.

• Sunt pueri pueri pueri puerilia tractant
  • Translation: “Boys are boys and boys will act like boys.”
  • Stone, Jon R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings Latin for the Illiterati Series. Routledge. p. 115. ISBN 0415969085.
  • English equivalent: Boys will be boys.

• Sutor, ne ultra crepidam!
  • Translation: “Cobbler, no further than the sandal!” I.e. don’t offer your opinion on things that are outside your competence. It is said that the Greek painter Apelles once asked the advice of a cobbler on how to render the sandals of a soldier he was painting. When the cobbler started offering advice on other parts of the painting, Apelles rebuked him with this phrase (but in Greek).
  • Sutor ne ultra crepidam, oder ein jeder bleib bey seinem Handwerck: In einem mit Nachsetzung seines Handwerks allzu weit über die Schnur hauenden Schmidt, zu einem Faßnacht-Hainzl vorgestellt in Seminario Cler. Saec. In Com. Vir. Zu Ingolstadt. 1740.

• Suum cuique Pulchrum.
  • Translation: To each its own is beautiful.
  • English equivalent: The bird loves her own nest.
  • Divers Proverbs, Nathan Bailey, 1721 [5]

• Tarde venientibus ossa.
  • Translation: “For those who come late, only the bones.”
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 625. ISBN 0415096243.

• Tempora aptari decet.
  • Translation: Times should be adapted to.
  • English equivalent: Take things as you find them.
  • “We should not plan and then try to make circumstances fit those plans. Instead we should make plans fit the circumstances.”
  • George S. Patton, War as I Knew It (1947)
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 865. ISBN 0415096243.

• Tempori parce!
  • Translation: “Save time!”
  • Gottlob Zumpt, Karl (1836). A grammar of the Latin language (4 ed.). B. Fellowes. p. 275.

• Tempus fugit.
  • Translation: “Time flees.” (i.e., “time flies”). Originally as Sed fugit interea, fugit irreparabile tempus – translation: “Meanwhile the irreplaceable time flees” (Virgil)
  • English equivalent: Time and tide waits for none.
  • Almond, Frank (2002). Tempus Fugit. C&M Online Media. ISBN 0917990501.

• Tempus fugit, aeternitas manet.
  • Translation: “Time flees, eternity dwells.”
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volume 1 (illustrerad ed.). p. 625. ISBN 0415096243.

• Tempus fugit, amor manet.
  • Translation: “Time flees, love stays”
  • (Edith) Nesbit, E (2010). Man and Maid. Echo Library. p. 10. ISBN 1406895598.

• Timendi causa est nescire.
  • Translation: “The cause of fear is ignorance.” (Seneca)
  • R. Stone, Jon (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings (illustrerad ed.). Routledge. p. 118. ISBN 0415969093.

• Tres faciunt collegium.
  • Translation: “Three makes a company.”
  • Berger, Adolf (1953). Encyclopedic Dictionary of Roman Law, Volym 43 Transactions of the American Philosophical Society. American Philosophical Society. p. 742. ISBN 0871694328.

• Tolle, lege; Tolle, lege!
  • Translation: “Take up and read; take up and read!” (Augustinus)
  • J. Teske, Roland (2011). Tolle Lege: Essays on Augustine and on Medieval Philosophy in Honor of Roland J. Teske, Sj Utgåva 73 av Marquette Studies in Philosophy. Marquette University Press. pp. 364. ISBN 0874628075.

• Tunc tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet.
  • Translation: “It also concerns you when the nearest wall is burning.”
  • R. Stone, Jon (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings (illustrerad ed.). Routledge. p. 119. ISBN 0415969093.

• Ut salutas (saltus), ita salutaberis oder Malo arboris nodo malus clavus and cuneus infigendus est.
  • English equivalent: What goes around comes around.
  • Meaning: Good acts quite often reward themselves. Conversely, bad acts quite often punish themselves.
  • Lautenbach, Ernst (2002). Latein-Deutsch: Zitaten-Lexikon: Quellennachweise. LIT Verlag Münster. p. 646. ISBN 3825856526.

• Ubi bene, ibi patria
  • Translation: “Where one feels good, there is one’s country.”
  • Adeleye, Gabriel (1999). World Dictionary of Foreign Expressions: A Resource for Readers and Writers. Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers. p. 389. ISBN 0865164231.

• Ubi concordia, ibi victoria.
  • Translation: “Where there is harmony, there is victory.”
  • Webb, Amy (2006). The Devil’s Duty. Lulu.com. pp. 212. ISBN 1411649842.

• Ubi dubium, ibi libertas.
  • Translation: “Where there is doubt, there is freedom.” legal, meaning when in doubt the prisoner has to be freed.
  • Greener, Richard (2006). The Lacey Confession. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 420. ISBN 0738708704.

• Ubi fumus, ibi ignis.
  • Translation: “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.”
  • Meaning: Where there are the signs of something, something is there.
  • Thomasius, Christian (1715). Cautelae circa doctrinam de praesumptione allodialitatis. p. 29.

• Ulula cum lupis, cum quibus esse cupis.
  • Translation: “Who keeps company with wolves, will learn to howl.”
  • Meaning: You will become like the people you surround yourself with.
  • Tournoy, Gilbert (1993). Humanistica Lovaniensia. Leuven University Press. p. 32. ISBN 9061865719.

• Uni navi ne committas omnia.
  • Translation: Do not commit all to one boat.
  • English equivalent: Don’t put all your eggs in the same basket.
  • Meaning: “Spread your risks or investments so that if one enterprise fails you will not lose everything.”
  • Source for meaning of English equivalent: Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 63. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5. Retrieved on 18 August 2013.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 715. ISBN 0415096243.

• Una hirundo non facit ver
  • Translation: “One swallow doesn’t make spring”
  • Meaning: A solitary event is no indication that a major change is taking place.
  • Vergil, Polydore (1663). Polydori Virgilii De Rerum Inventoribus (nytryck ed.). Ayer Publishing. p. xii. ISBN 0833715631.

• Unum castigabis, centum emendabis.
  • Translation: For one reprimand, a hundred corrections.”
  • Lautenbach, Ernst (2002). Latein-Deutsch: Zitaten-Lexikon: Quellennachweise. LIT Verlag Münster. p. 129. ISBN 3825856526.

• Usus magister est optimus.
  • Translation: “Experience is the best teacher.” (i.e., “Practice makes perfect.”)
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 698. ISBN 0415096243.

• Ut ameris, amabilis esto.
  • Translation: “Be amiable, then you’ll be loved.”
  • Stone, J. R. (2005). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs and Sayings, Routledge.

• Ut desint vires, tamen est laudanda voluntas
  • Translation: “Even if the powers are missing, the will deserves praise” (Ovid)
  • Kirk Rappaport, Pamela (2005). Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Selected Writings. Paulist Press. p. 290. ISBN 0809105306.

• Ut sementem feceris, ita metes.
  • Translation: “You’ll reap what you sow.” (Cicero, “De oratore”); The Bible Job 4:8; Galatians 6:7.
  • English equivalent: What you reap is what you sow.
  • Sloman, Arthur (1928). a grammar of classical latin. CUP Archive. p. 343.

• Ut sis nocte levis, sit cena brevis!
  • Translation: “That your sleeping hour be peaceful, let your dining hour be brief!” (Sis is one hour before sunset.) (modern: Sleep hard, Sleep fast, Sleep well)
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 818. ISBN 0415096243.

• Uxor formosa et vinum sunt dulcia venena.
  • Translation: “Beautiful women and wine are sweet venom.”
  • Beudel, Paul (1911). Qua ratione Graeci liberos docuerint, papyris, ostracis, tabulis in Aegypto inventis illustratur: commentationem philologicam. E Typographia Aschendorffiana. p. 32.

• Varitatio delectat
  • English equivalent: Variety is the spice of life.
  • Source: Strauss, Emmanuel (1998). Dictionary of European Proverbs. Routledge. p. 89. ISBN 0415160502.

• Vasa vana plurimum sonant
  • English equivalent: It is not the hen that cackles the most that lay the most eggs.
  • Macdonnel, David Evans (1869). A dictionary of select and popular quotations, which are in daily use: taken from the Latin, French, Greek, Spanish and Italian languages : together with a copious collection of law-maxims and law-terms translated into English, with illustrations historical and idiomatic (6 ed.). Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger. p. 296.

• Ventis secundis, tene cursum.
  • English equivalent: Go with the flow.
  • “Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows. Let your methods be regulated by the infinite variety of circumstances.”
  • Tzu, Sun (̃¨ 400 B.C). “VI. Weak Points and Strong”. The Art of War.
  • Mesiah, Leza M. (2007). Recipes for Recovery: How to Heal Loss and a Broken Heart. AuthorHouse. p. 138. ISBN 1425965954.

• Verba docent, exempla trahunt.
  • Translation: Words instruct, illustrations lead.
  • Rautenberg, Wolfgang (2009). A Concise Introduction to Mathematical Logi (3, illustrerad ed.). Springer. p. 58. ISBN 1441912207.

• Verba volant, scripta manent.
  • English equivalent: Paper is forbearing.
  • C. Gerhart, Eugene (1998). Quote It Completely!: World Reference Guide to More Than 5,500 Memorable Quotations from Law and Literature Quote it Completely!: World Reference Guide to More Than 5,500 Memorable Quotations from Law and Literature, Eugene C. Gerhart,. Wm. S. Hein Publishing. p. 1171. ISBN 1575884003.

• Verit eo caudam, qua decidit arbore, malum.
  • English equivalent: The apple does not fall far from the tree.
  • “Children observe daily and — in their behaviour — often follow the example of their parents.”
  • Paczolay, Gyula (1997). European Proverbs in 55 languages. DeProverbio.com. p. 259. ISBN 1-875943-44-7.

• Veritas odium paret
  • Translation: Truth creates hatred. (Terence, Andria 68)
  • Sacul, Snofla (2011). If Only God Used His Brain: Ahead of Time. Xlibris Corporation. p. 149. ISBN 146533565X.

• Veritas vos liberabit
  • Translation: The truth will set you free.
  • From the Gospel of John, 8:32
  • R. Stone, Jon (2013). The Routledge Dictionary of Latin Quotations: The Illiterati’s Guide to Latin Maxims, Mottoes, Proverbs, and Sayings. p. 217. ISBN 978-1-135-88110-8.

• Veritatem dies aperit.
  • Translation: Time discloses the truth.
  • Strauss, Emmanuel (1994). Dictionary of European Proverbs, Volym 1. Routledge. p. 1206. ISBN 0415096243.

• Vincit omnia veritas.
  • Translation: Truth conquers all.
  • Stone, Jon R. (1996). Latin for the Illiterati: Exorcizing the Ghosts of a Dead Language Classics, Language, Reference. Routledge. p. 150. ISBN 0415917751.

• Vincit qui patitur. – motto Berea College, Berea, KY
  • English equivalent: Persevere and never fear.
  • Olive Emmons, Mary (2009). Moods and Whims. READ BOOKS. p. 53. ISBN 1444678787.

• Vipera in veprecula est.
  • English equivalent: Look before you leap, for snakes among sweet flowers do creep.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 1070. ISBN 0415096243.

• Vir fugiens et denuo pugnabit.
  • English equivalent: He who fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
  • “It is wiser to withdraw from a situation that you cannot win than to go on fighting and lose – by a strategic retreat you can return to the battle or argument with renewed energy at a later date.”
  • Martin H. Manser (2007). The Facts on File Dictionary of Proverbs. Infobase Publishing. p. 123. ISBN 978-0-8160-6673-5.
  • Strauss, Emanuel (1994). Dictionary of European proverbs (Volume 2 ed.). Routledge. p. 702. ISBN 0415096243.

• Viveri bis, vitâ posse priori frui.
  • Translation: It is to live twice to be able to enjoy the retrospect of your past life.
  • Hugh Moore (1831). A dictionary of quotations from various authors in ancient and modern languages. p. 137. Retrieved on 14 August 2013.

• Vivit post funera virtus.
  • Translation: Virtue survives the grave.
  • Henry Thomas Riley (1856). Dictionary of Latin Quotations, Proverbs, Maxims, and Mottos, Classical and Mediaeval. p. 503.

• Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores!
  • English equivalent A leopard won’t change its spots.
  • Lautenbach, Ernst (2002). Latein-Deutsch: Zitaten-Lexikon: Quellennachweise. LIT Verlag Münster. p. 425. ISBN 3825856526.

Latin Phrases

• Omnium Rerum Principia Parva Sunt
  • Translation: ‘The beginnings of all things are small.’
• Vixere
  • Translation: ‘They lived.’ (after the execution of the participants in the Catilinarian conspiracy; meaning: “they are dead”).
• Semper Idem
  • Translation: ‘Always the same.’
• Pecunia Nervus Belli
  • Translation: ‘Money is the soul (or sinew) of war.’
• Male Parta Male Dilabuntur
  • Translation: ‘What has been wrongly gained is wrongly lost.’
    Explanation: Virgil or Publius Vergilius Maro (70 BC – 19 BC), was one of ancient Rome’s greatest poets corresponding to the Augustan period. His massive contribution to Latin literature is espoused by three significant works – the Eclogues (or Bucolics), the Georgics, and the epic Aeneid. The latter literary specimen is often considered as ancient Rome’s national epic, with the work following the traditions of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Here are two of the ancient Roman Latin phrases mentioned by Virgil –
• Amor Vincit Omnia
  • Translation: ‘Love conquers all.’
• Non Omnia Possumus Omnes
  • Translation: ‘We can’t all of us do everything.’
    Explanation: Horace or Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65 BC – 8 BC), was the foremost Roman lyric poet contemporary to the Augustan period, who dabbled in both hexameter verses and caustic iambic poetry. He was also an officer in the republican army that was defeated at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. But later on he was offered amnesty by Octavian, and thus Horace became a spokesman for the new regime (though he lost his father’s estate to a colony of veterans). Here are some of the ancient Roman Latin phrases and sayings mentioned by Horace –
• Aere Perennius
  • Translation: ‘More lasting than bronze.’
• Permitte Divis Cetera
  • Translation: ‘Leave all else to the gods.’
• Omnes Una Manet Nox
  • Translation: ‘One night awaits everyone.’
• Carpe Diem
  • Translation: ‘Seize the day.’
• Nil Desperandum
  • Translation:  ‘Never despair!’
    Explanation: Lucius Annaeus Seneca, also known as Seneca the Younger (5 BC – 65 AD), was a Roman Stoic philosopher and a dramatist who also tried his hand in humor. One of the sons of Seneca the Elder, Lucius also acted as the Imperial adviser and tutor to Roman Emperor Nero. Unfortunately, his very connection to political affairs brought forth his demise – when Lucius was forced to commit suicide for his alleged role in the Pisonian conspiracy to assassinate Nero. Here are some of the ancient Roman Latin phrases and sayings mentioned by Cicero (mostly in his version of Oedipus) –
• Veritas Odit Moras
  • Translation: ‘Truth hates delay.’
• Timendi Causa Est Nescire
  • Translation: ‘The cause of fear is ignorance.’
• Vivamus, Moriendum Est
  • Translation: ‘Let us live, since we must die.’
• Nemo Sine Vitio Est
  • Translation: ‘No one is without fault.’
• Magna Servitus Est Magna Fortuna
  • Translation: ‘A great fortune is a great slavery.’
    Explanation: Decimus Iunius Iuvenalis or Juvenal (55-60 AD to post 127 AD) is counted among the most famous of ancient Rome’s poets, who was renowned for his collection of satirical poems known as the Satires. And while not much is known about his private life, it has been hypothesized that Juvenal was possibly a son (or adopted son) of a rich freedman, and was born in Aquinum, central Italy. It is also conjectured that Juvenal was a pupil of Quintilian and a practitioner of rhetoric, while his career as a satirist began late in his life. And furthermore, like many of his fellow Roman poets, Juvenal might have been exiled (by either Emperor Trajan or Domitian), though the place of his exile is debated in the academic world. Here are some of the ancient Roman Latin phrases and sayings mentioned by Juvenal –
• Vitam Impendere Vero
  • Translation: ‘Dedicate your life to truth.’
• Mens Sana In Corpore Sano
  • Translation: ‘A healthy mind in a healthy body.’
• Panem et Circenses
  • Translation: ‘Bread and circuses.’
• Quis Costodiet Ipsos Custodies?
  • Translation: ‘Who will guard the guards?’
• Ars Longa, Vita Brevis
  • Translation: ‘Art is long, life is short.’ – Hippocrates.
    Explanation: It pertains to the Latin translation of the first two Greek lines of the Aphorismi, one of the treatises of the Corpus – the renowned collection of ancient medical works often attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. As for the historical side of affairs, Hippocrates, often heralded as the ‘Father of Medicine’, was probably born in circa 460 BC, on the Greek island of Kos.
• Vade Retro Me, Satana
  • Translation: ‘Get off my back, Satan.’ – Gospel of Mark 8:33
    Explanation: The Latin phrase is derived from the Vulgate and in the narrative is presented as being spoken by Jesus to Peter. According to historical estimation, the Gospel of Mark was written during the 1st century (at least before 90 AD, possibly between 66–70 AD) – which makes it the earliest known written gospel, though the authorship still remains anonymous.
• In Vino Veritas
  • Translation: ‘Truth in Wine.’ – Pliny the Elder
    Explanation: Pliny the Elder or Gaius Plinius Secundus (23 AD – 79 AD), was an ancient Roman author, naturalist, and natural philosopher – known for his encyclopedic work, Naturalis Historia. Like some eminent Romans of his time, Pliny also had a career in the military with his high-status post as a naval and army commander in the early Roman empire. Pliny later died in the catastrophic eruption of Mouth Vesuvius (AD 79) on the beach at Stabiae, and hence was one of the famous (yet unfortunate) eye-witnesses to the destruction of Pompeii (reconstructed in this article).
• Acta est Fabula, Plaudite!
  • Translation: ‘The play is over, applaud!’ – Augustus
    Explanation: Augustus (63 BC – 14 AD), born Gaius Octavius, was the founder of the Roman Empire and its first Emperor who ruled till his death in 14 AD (additionally he was also Julius Caesar’s adopted heir). The reign of Augustus kick-started what is known as Pax Romana (the Roman Peace), an extensive period of almost two centuries when the Roman realm was not disturbed by any long-drawn major conflict, in spite of the empire’s ‘regular’ territorial expansions into regions like Egypt, Dalmatia, Pannonia, Germania and complete annexation of Hispania.
• Quis, Quid, Ubi, Quibus Auxiliis, Cur, Quomodo, Quando?
  • Translation: ‘Who, what, where, with what, why, how, when?’ – Quintilian
    Explanation: An ancient Roman rhetorician from Hispania, Quintilian or Marcus Fabius Quintilianus, was born in circa 35 AD and was known for opening his public school of rhetoric during the chaotic period of the Year of the Four Emperors (circa 69 AD). There were some eminent names among his students, including Pliny the Younger and possibly Tacitus and Juvenal. And such was his influence in Rome and its circle of education (especially for the ruling class)that later on he was made a consul by Emperor Vespasian.
• Alea Jacta Est
  • Translation: ‘The die is cast.’ — Julius Caesar
• Exitus Acta Probat
  • Translation: ‘The result justifies the deed.’ — Ovid
    Explanation: Ovid or Publius Ovidius Naso (43 BC – 17 AD), was a contemporary Roman poet of the older Virgil and Horace, and together these three formed the ‘holy trinity’ of Latin canonical literature during the Augustan period. To that end, Ovid is mainly known his mythological narrative – the Metamorphoses, along with collections of love poetry like the Amores (“Love Affairs”) and Ars Amatoria (“The Art of Love”).
• Fiat Lux
  • Translation: ‘Let there be light.’ — Old Testament ‐ Genesis 1:3
    Explanation: Counted among one of most famous of English and Latin phrases, in context, the full translation is “dixitque Deus fiat lux et facta est lux” (“And said God let there be light, and there was light”). The Vulgate Latin version is obviously derived from the Hebrew phrase vayo’mer ‘Elohim, yehi ‘or vayehi ‘or,  found in Genesis 1:3 of the Torah, the first part of the Hebrew Bible.
• Caveat Emptor
  • Translation: ‘Let the buyer beware.’
    Explanation: According to Merriam Webster, the (possibly) ancient Latin phrase is associated with the sale of goods – “In early Roman law, sales of goods were governed by caveat emptor: buyers were advised to scrutinize the goods before purchase because sellers had few obligations. Over time, the imperative of caveat emptor has been softened by warranties, both express and implied.”
• Vincit qui se vincit.
  • Translation: He conquers who conquers himself.
    Meaning: Used as a motto by many schools, this phrase speaks to the importance of first getting yourself under control, mastering your urges and temptations, before trying to control the outside world. Also, fun fact, it can be seen on a stained glass window at the beginning of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
• Non ducor, duco.
  • Translation: I am not led, I lead.
    Meaning: The motto of São Paulo, Brazil, this phrase is a great, albeit somewhat aggressive way to assert your dominance while also letting folks know that you’ve read a few books. It corrects anyone under the mistaken assumption that you aren’t the absolute boss and/or innovator of any given situation.
• Gladiator in arena consilium capit.
  • Translation: The gladiator is formulating his plan in the arena.
    Meaning: This one comes to us from the philosopher, statesman and dramatist Seneca the Younger. It refers to the time jsut prior to a gladiator’s battle, when the warrior is already in the arena preparing to fight. Basically, it’s a more badass way to say “We’re already pregnant,” or, in other words: You’re too damn late.
• Aqua vitae.
  • Translation: Water of life.
    Meaning: Most of the phrases listed here have at least some kind of connection to war, combat and struggle, but this one is a little different. Aqua vitae can be used to refer to any kind of liquor, whether it’s done sincerely while talking about that single barrel scotch you’ve been saving, or more ironically for a case of PBR.
• Sic semper tyrannis.
  • Translation: Thus always to tyrants.
    Meaning: These days, this phrase is mostly known as what John Wilkes Booth may or may not have shouted out while assassinating President Abraham Lincoln. That association is a shame, however, as it’s a much older phrase, with a far less problematic, but equally murderous history. Prior to its debated use by Booth, the phrase was placed on the official seal of the commonwealth of Virginia, which also featured a female warrior, representing virtue, standing upon a defeated king, representing tyranny. The phrase is all about how tyrants tend to meet brutal ends, which explains why the phrase is so closely connected with a much earlier assassination: That of Julius Caesar.
• Astra inclinant, sed non obligant.
  • Translation: The stars incline us, they do not bind us.
    Meaning: I love this one because it’s about as bold a one-line refutation of fatalism as you can imagine. The phrase means that while fate – whether determined by the stars, the gods or something else entirely – might nudge us in a certain direction, we are never forced in it, that free will exists and the decision of what to do in any circumstance is ultimately our own.
• Aut cum scuto aut in scuto.
  • Translation: Either with shield or on shield.
    This is actually a Latin version of an earlier Greek phrase. In Sparta, mothers were said to tell their war-bred children to either come back carrying their shield or on it. At first, that might not make a lot of sense, but when you acknowledge the size and weight of a Spartan shield, the tendency of deserters to leave it behind and the tradition of carrying dead soldiers back home upon their shield, the meaning becomes clear: Don’t surrender, never give up.
• Igne natura renovatur integra.
  • Translation: Through fire, nature is reborn whole.
    Meaning: So this one’s a little confusing. First up, you need to know about INRI, an acronym for Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum, which means Jesus the Nazarene, King of the Jews, a phrase that was said to have been inscribed on the cross upon which Jesus was crucified. Later, as part of alchemical and occult studies, this Latin backronym was created, which refers to the cleansing power of fire and the ever-repeating cycle of death and life.
• Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
  • Translation: If I can not bend the will of Heaven, I shall move Hell.
    Meaning: Originally spoken by Juno in Virgil’s Aeneid, this phrase is perhaps best-known today for appearing as a dedication in Sigmund Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams. But as for how to use it, it kind of works as a piece of all-purpose badassery, something to utter or growl when you’ve been stymied or prevented from achieving your goal. Give it extra punch by taking some liberties with the translation, telling people who ask that it means “If I can’t move heaven, I shall raise hell.”
• Oderint dum metuant.
  • Translation: Let them hate so long as they fear.
    Meaning: I was first exposed to this phrase from its use on a t-shirt for professional wrestler Triple H, who has a long history of using different Latin phrases on his merchandise and entrance videos. This one fits Triple H perfectly, as he has a reputation for being a brutal, somewhat mercenary talent within WWE, so it’s appropriate that he would borrow a line from one of Rome’s most brutal dictators, Caligula.
• Ad astra per aspera.
  • Meaning: One of the most poular Latin phrases, meaning, Through adversity to the stars, this utterance is generally used to describe the overcoming of adversity resulting in a favorable outcome. For instance, this common state motto—which also happens to adorn the memorial plaque for the astronauts who died on Apollo 1—can be used in conversation when you’re having a terrible go of things, but you’re confident a greater outcome awaits you.
• Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt.
  • Meaning: If you’ve ever wanted to strike fear into the heart of your enemies (or just want a good comeback for when you catch someone cheating on game night), try out this expression. Meaning Mortal actions never deceive the gods, this Latin phrase certainly fits the bill.
• Carpe vinum.
  • Meaning: We’ve all heard the phrase carpe diem a million times, but we’ll do you one better: carpe vinum. Of all the Latin phrases to master, this one, which translates to Seize the wine, will certainly come in handy when you’re eager to impress your waiter with a fancy foodie phrase or are doing your best Caligula impression after a few glasses of pinot noir.
• Alea iacta est.
  • Meaning: Latin phrases don’t get much more iconic than Alea iacta est, or The die is cast, an expression reportedly uttered by Julius Caesar as he crossed Italy’s Rubicon river with his army. Of course, it works equally well when you’ve got the wheels in motion for a brilliant plan that doesn’t involve civil war, too.
• Dulce periculum.
  • Meaning: Do you live life on the edge? Then dulce periculum might just be your new motto. Meaning, Danger is sweet, dropping this phrase in casual conversation certainly lets people know what you’re about.
• Acta non verba.
  • Meaning: If you want to make it clear that you won’t stand for lip service, toss acta non verba into your everyday language. Meaning, Deeds, not words, this phrase is an easy way to make it clear that you don’t kindly suffer those whose behavior doesn’t match their words.
• Condemnant quo non intellegunt.
  • Meaning: If your conspiracy theorist friend needs a good talking to, there are plenty of hilarious words to describe their condition other than asking how that tinfoil hat works. Instead, hit them with a quick Condemnant quo non intellegunt. This phrase, meaning They condemn that which they do not understand, is the perfect burn for those who proudly espouse their less-than-logic-backed views and offer little supporting evidence.
• Audentes fortuna iuvat.
  • Meaning: Want some inspiration to kill it on an upcoming job interview? Repeat Audentes fortuna iuvat (Fortune favors the bold) to yourself a few times in the mirror before heading out the door.
• Factum fieri infectum non potest.
  • Meaning: For those eager to make it clear that they don’t give second chances, keep Factum fieri infectum non potest in your back pocket. This phrase, which means It is impossible for a deed to be undone, also serves as a grave reminder for your friends when they say they’re about they’re about to do something rash.
• Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.
  • Meaning: Finding yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place? Pump yourself up by letting forth an Aut viam inveniam aut faciam. This phrase, which translates to, I will either find a way or make one, is famously attributed to Carthaginian general Hannibal, one of history’s most famous military leaders.
• Qui totum vult totum perdit.
  • Meaning: While Wall Street may have told us that greed is good, the Latin language begs to differ. If you want to refute an acquaintance’s obsession with having it all, hit them with a Qui totum vult totum perdit, or, translated, He who wants everything loses everything.
• Faber est suae quisque fortunae.
  • Meaning: Of all the Latin phrases in the world, there’s one perfect for picking yourself up when you feel like the stars aren’t aligning in your favor. Just remember, Faber est suae quisque fortunae (Every man is the artisan of his own fortune).
• Aquila non capit muscas.
  • Meaning: If social media pettiness and idle gossip feel beneath you, try adding Aquila non capit muscas to your vocabulary. The phrase, which means, The eagle does not catch flies, is a particularly cutting way to remind others that you’re not about to trouble yourself with their nonsense.
• Natura non constristatur.
  • Meaning: While it’s natural to be upset over storm damage to a house or dangerous conditions that cause a flight to be canceled, Latin speakers were sure to make it clear that nature doesn’t share our feelings. Natura non constristatur, which means Nature is not saddened, is the perfect phrase to remind yourself or others just how unconcerned with human affairs Mother Nature truly is.
• Flectere si nequeo superos, Acheronta movebo.
  • Meaning: From Virgil’s Aeneid, this phrase, which means If I cannot move Heaven, I will raise Hell, is the perfect addition to the vocabulary of anyone whose halo is nonexistent.
• Ad meliora.
  • Meaning: Today may not be going the way you want, but you can always boost your spirits by uttering ad meliora, or, Toward better things.
• Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixture dementia fuit.
  • Meaning: Many a great idea or seemingly crazy prediction has been initially laughed off by those who don’t understand it. When that happens to you, remind your detractors, Nullum magnum ingenium sine mixture dementia fuit, or, There has been no great wisdom without an element of madness.
• Creo quia absurdum est.
  • Meaning: Occam’s razor isn’t always the best way to judge a situation. In times where belief alone trumps logic, drop a Creo quia absurdum est (I believe because it is absurd).
• Lupus non timet canem latrantem.
  • Meaning: Need a quick way to make it clear that you won’t be intimidated by a bully? Simply tell them, Lupus non timet canem lantrantem, translated to mean, A wolf is not afraid of a barking dog.
• Non ducor duco.
  • Meaning: When you’re eager to remind your subordinates at work who’s in charge, toss a Non ducor duco their way. Meaning, I am not led; I lead, this phrase is a powerful way of letting others you’re not to be messed with.
• Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt.
  • Meaning: Sometimes, people’s opinions can’t be changed. When that’s the case, drop a, Fere libenter homines id quod volunt credunt, or, Men generally believe what they want to.
• Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.
  • Meaning: The motto of the fictional Addams Family, this phrase means, We gladly feast on those who would subdue us. Also perfect for use in any conversation where you’re eager to terrify someone else.
• Amore et melle et felle es fecundissimus.
  • Meaning: Love is amazing, painful, and confusing at the same time, as those who spoke Latin apparently knew all too well. The next time you want to remind a friend of the exquisite agony that often accompanies a new relationship, use this phrase, which means Love is rich with honey and venom.
• In absentia lucis, Tenebrae vincunt.
  • Meaning: While not quite the Washington Post’s new motto, this phrase comes pretty close. If you’re ever channeling your inner superhero, try out this expression, which means, In the absence of light, darkness prevails.
• De omnibus dubitandum.
  • Meaning: Do you think the truth is out there? Do you think there are government secrets that threaten our very existence? If so, this phrase, which means Be suspicious of everything, should be a welcome addition to your lexicon.
• Ars longa, vita brevis.
  • • Meaning: There’s a reason we still admire the paintings and sculptures of long-dead masters, and luckily, one of the easiest-to-master Latin phrases just about sums it up: Art is long, life is short.
• Nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit.
  • Meaning: Just because you think you’re a relatively sage person doesn’t mean that you’re necessarily on the ball at all times. As many a Latin speaker might remind you with this phrase, Of mortal men, none is wise at all times.
• Quid infantes sumus.
  • Meaning: If you feel like you’re being underestimated, don’t be afraid to spit, Quid infants sumus? at those who might not see your potential. While it’s not exactly a scathing insult, it’s pretty amusing to know the Latin phrase for, What are we, babies?
• Mea navis aëricumbens anguillis abundant.
  • Meaning: Of course, not all Latin phrases are useful—some are just funny. This one, in particular—a translation of a humorous saying from Monty Python’s Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook sketch, simply means, My hovercraft is full of eels.
• Auribus teneo lupum
  • Meaning: It might seem odd to say that you’re “holding a wolf by the ears,” but auribus teneo lupum—a line taken from Phormio (c. 161 BCE), a work by the Roman playwright Terence—was a popular proverb in Ancient Rome. Like “holding a tiger by the tail,” it is used to describe an unsustainable situation, and in particular one in which both doing nothing and doing something to resolve it are equally risky.
• Barba tenus sapientes
  • Meaning: A man described as barba tenus sapientes is literally said to be “wise as far as his beard”—or, in other words, he might look intelligent but he’s actually far from it. This is just one of a number of phrases that show how the Romans associated beards with intelligence, alongside barba non facit philosophum, “a beard does not make a philosopher,” and barba crescit caput nescit, meaning “the beard grows, but the head doesn’t grow wiser.”
  • Meaning: That guy who proclaims himself to be a genius, but seems to only reiterate derivative remarks? He’s Barba tenus sapientes, or As wise as far as the beard. In other words, this guy might seem intelligent at first, but it’s all a façade.
• Brutum fulmen
  • Meaning: Apparently coined by the Roman scholar Pliny the Elder, a brutum fulmen is a harmless or empty threat. It literally means “senseless thunderbolt.”
• Caesar non supra grammaticos
  • Meaning: In a speech to the Council of Constance in 1414, the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund of Luxembourg happened to use the Latin word schisma, meaning “schism.” Unfortunately for him, he muddled up its gender—schisma should be a neuter word, but he used it as if it were feminine. When the error was pointed out to him, Sigismund angrily proclaimed that because he was Emperor, even if the word was neuter (which it was) it would be feminine from now on, at which point one member of the Council supposedly stood and replied, “Caesar non supra grammaticos”—or “The Emperor is not above the grammarians.” The phrase quickly became a popular proverbial defence of the importance of good grammar and spelling.
• Carpe noctem
  • Meaning: Carpe noctem is essentially the nocturnal equivalent of carpe diem and so literally means “seize the night.” It too is used to encourage someone to make the most of their time, often in the sense of working into the early hours of the morning to get something finished, or else enjoying themselves in the evening once a hard day’s work is done.
• Carthago delenda est
  • Translation: Carthage must be destroyed.
  • Meaning: At the height of the Punic Wars, fought between Rome and Carthage from 264-146 BCE, a Roman statesman named Cato the Elder had a habit of ending all of his speeches to the Senate with the motto “Carthago delenda est,” or “Carthage must be destroyed.” His words quickly became a popular and rousing motto in Ancient Rome, and nowadays can be used figuratively to express absolute support for an idea or course of action.
• Castigat ridendo mores
  • Meaning: Literally meaning “laughing corrects morals,” the Latin motto castigat ridendo mores was coined by the French poet Jean de Santeul (1630-97), who intended it to show how useful satirical writing is in affecting social change: The best way to change the rules is by pointing out how absurd they are.
• Corvus oculum corvi non eruit
  • Meaning: Picture a politician sticking up for a colleague even in the face of widespread criticism—that’s a fine example of the old Latin saying corvus oculum corvi non eruit, meaning “a crow will not pull out the eye of another crow.” It’s essentially the same as “honor amongst thieves,” and refers to complete solidarity amongst a group of like-minded people regardless of the consequences or condemnation.
• Cui bono?
  • Meaning: Literally meaning “who benefits?,” cui bono? is a rhetorical Latin legal phrase used to imply that whoever appears to have the most to gain from a crime is probably the culprit. More generally, it’s used in English to question the meaningfulness or advantages of carrying something out.
• Et in Arcadia ego
  • Meaning: Arcadia was a rural region of Ancient Greece, whose inhabitants—chiefly shepherds and farmers—were seen as living a quiet, idyllic life away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Athens. The Latin motto et in Arcadia ego, “even in Arcadia, here I am,” comes from the title of a painting by the French Baroque artist Nicholas Poussin (1594-1665) that depicted four Arcadian shepherds attending the tomb of a local man. Although precisely what Poussin meant the title to imply is hotly debated, it’s often interpreted as a reminder that no matter how good someone else’s life appears to be compared to your own, we all eventually suffer the same fate—the “I” in question is Death.
• Ex nihilo nihil fit
  • Meaning: Supposedly a quote by the Roman philosopher Lucretius, the Latin motto ex nihilo nihil fit means “nothing comes from nothing,” and is used as a reminder that hard work is always required in order to achieve something.
• Felix culpa
  • Meaning: Originally a religious term referring to consequences of the Biblical Fall of Man and the sins of Adam and Eve, a felix culpa is literally a “happy fault”—an apparent mistake or disaster that actually ends up having surprisingly beneficial consequences.
• Hannibal ad portas
  • Meaning: Hannibal was a Carthaginian military commander during the Punic Wars who, in the early 2nd century BCE, led numerous devastating attacks against the Roman Empire. To the people of Rome, the threat of an attack from Hannibal soon made him something of a bogeyman, and as a result Roman parents would often tell their unruly children that Hanniabl ad portas—”Hannibal is at the gates”—in order to scare them into behaving properly.
• Hic manebimus optime!
  • Meaning: When the Gauls invaded Rome in 390 BCE, the Senate met to discuss whether or not to abandon the city and flee to the relative safety of nearby Veii. According to the Roman historian Livy, a centurion named Marcus Furius Camillus stood to address the Senate and exclaimed, “hic manebimus optime!“—or “here we will stay, most excellently!” His words soon came to be used figuratively of anyone’s unfaltering and dedicated intention to remain in place despite adverse circumstances.
• Homo sum humani a me nihil alienum puto
  • Meaning: Homo sum humani a me nihil alienum puto is another line lifted from one of the works of the Roman dramatist Terence, in this case his play Heauton Timorumenos, or The Self-Tormentor. Originally in the play the line was merely one character’s response to being told to mind his own business, but given its literal meaning—”I am a human being, so nothing human is strange to me”—it has since come to be used as a motto advocating respect for people and cultures that appear different from your own.
• Ignotum per ignotius
  • Meaning: Also known as obscurum per obscurius (“the obscure by the more obscure”), the phrase ignotum per ignotius (“the unknown by the more unknown”) refers to an unhelpful explanation that is just as (or even more) confusing than that which it is attempting to explain—for instance, imagine someone asking you what obscurum per obscurius meant, and you telling them that it means the same as ignotum per ignotius.
• Imperium in imperio
  • Meaning: “an empire within an empire,” the Latin phrase imperium in imperio can be used literally to refer to a self-governing state confined within a larger one; or to a rebellious state fighting for independence from another; or, more figuratively, to a department or a group of workers in an organization who, despite appearing to work for themselves, are still answerable to an even larger corporation.
• Panem et circenses
  • Meaning: Panem et circenses, meaning “bread and circuses,” refers to the basic needs and desires—i.e., food and entertainment—required to keep a person happy. It is taken from the Satires, a collection of satirical poems by the Roman poet Juvenal written in the 1st-2nd century CE.
• Velocius quam asparagi conquantur 
  • Meaning: According to the Romans, when something happens quickly it happens velocius quam asparagi conquantur —or “faster than you can cook asparagus.” Some sources attribute this phrase to the Roman Emperor Augustus, but there’s sadly little proof that that’s the case.
• Vox nihili 
  • Meaning: While vox populi is “the voice of the people,” vox nihili is literally “the voice of nothing.” It describes an utterly pointless or meaningless statement, but can also be used for the kind of spelling mistake or textual error in which one word is mistakenly substituted for another—like an Auto correct mistake.