Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group S

(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)

Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes

Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.

suo nomine
By its own name.

A physician's direction to a pharmacist that the label on the bottle containing the drug indicates the chemical name of the medicine.

suo periculo
At one's own peril.
Suo sibi gladio hunc jugulo.
I will cut this man's throat with his own sword.

"I will turn this man's arguments against himself"; according to the Roman writer, Terence.

suo tempore
At one's own time or at its own time.
Super visum corporis.
After viewing the body.

A term used at a coroner's inquest.

Sursum corda.
Lift up your hearts.

Motto of Haileybury College, U.K.

Suscipe Terra tuo de corpore sumptum.
Receive, O Earth, what was taken from thy body.

Epitaph of Pope Gregory the Great.


Pointing to a page about a kleptomaniac Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.