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

(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.

Tempori parendum. (Latin statement)
Translation: "One must yield to time" or "One must keep abreast of the times."

A related expression is Temporibus inserviendum; literally, "One must pay attention to the times."

Temporibus mores sapiens sine crimine mutat. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "The wise man does no wrong in changing his habits with the times."

From Cato in his Disticha de Moribus, c. 175 B.C.

Temporis ars medicina fere est. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "Time usually is the best means of healing."

Another version is, "Time is a great healer." This expression comes from Ovid's Remedia Amoris.

Tempus abire tibi est.
It is time for you to go away.

Another version is, "Make way for someone else."

Tempus fugit.
Time flies.
Tempus omnia revelat.
Time reveals everything.
Tene mensuram et respice finem. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "Be moderate, think of the consequences."

Motto of German Emperor Maximilian I (1493-1519).

Tenere lupum aribus.
To hold a wolf by the ears.

Implies fearlessness in confronting a dangerous situation or boldness in dealing with a difficult situation.

ter in die; t.i.d.
Three times a day.

Instructions given for medical treatment.

ter in nocte, t.i.n.
Three times a night.

Instructions given for medical treatment.

terra firma (s) (noun) (no pl)
1. Solid ground, dry land in contrast to water or air: Grace was very nervous on the flight from Canada to France and was very happy to be able to put her feet back on terra firma once again after arriving safely at the airport!
2. Etymology: from Modern Latin terra firma, "firm land"; from Latin terra "earth, land" + firma, "strong, steadfast".
Solid or firm earth.
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terra incognita (s) (noun), terrae incognitae (pl)
1. An unknown land; an unexplored region: Before people existed, the world had only terrae incognitae.
2. A new or unexplored field of knowledge: The expression terra incognita is often used in referring to matters about which one is uninformed, e.g. "I don't think I can do this because it is terra incognita to me."

Terras irradient.(Latin motto)
They will enlighten [many] lands.

Motto of Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA. Also translated as, "Let them illuminate the lands." Also, "May they illumine the earth."

Terretur minimo pennae stridore columba unguibus, accipiter, saucia facta tuis. (Latin idiom)
O hawk, the dove that's been wounded by your talons is frightened by the least flutter of a feather.

A Latin idiom. The French, Italians, and Spanish have an equivalent idiom: "A scalded cat is afraid of cold water." Another similar idiom: "A burned child is afraid of a puff of smoke."

tertium quid
1. Some third thing; a third something.
2. An unknown or indefinite thing or factor that is related to but cannot be classified as belonging to either of two other areas or categories.
3. Something in between two fixed points or positions; a third alternative or choice beyond two fixed choices.

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