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

Go in peace.

Another Roman way of saying, "goodbye".

Go with me.

A guide and constant companion. Today it designates a special kind of reference work, a handbook, or manual, something ready and close at hand, like a guidebook. It usually contains information that is frequently consulted and could also refer to a pocket calculator, a portable dictating machine, or even a personal computer.

Get thee behind me, Satan.

Woe to the vanquished.

Also translated as, "It is tough to be a loser." This statement is attributed by Livy to Brennus, a chief of the Gauls forced to surrender to the Romans in 390 B.C. It is reported that as he surrendered his sword, he said, Vae victis.

Farewell; Goodbye.

Used when addressing one person. Also see Valete (plural) and Ave atque vale.

Let it stand for what it is worth.

Also translated as, "Take it for what it is worth." A proper statement to make when one passes on information of doubtful authenticity.

Someone who delivers farewell words or a speech on a special occasion: "A valedictor is a student who gives the closing address at a graduation ceremony of an educational institution, usually the one with the highest grade average in the graduating class."

Farewell; Goodbye.

Used when addressing two or more people.

It would be apparent even to a blind man; it is obvious.

With sails and oars.

Meaning, "an all-out effort". Also presented as remis velisque.

May the tree thrive.

Motto of the University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

From the University of Toronto's Web site: "The form of the crest as it exists today, was adopted by the University of Toronto in 1917 when the Board of Governors of the University, on account of the many incorrect forms in common use, applied to the College of Heralds for a correct emblazoning of the Arms of the University of Toronto and of University College.

The motto velut arbor aevo is generally translated "As a tree in the passage of time" in the University's motto.

I came, I saw, I conquered.

Attributed to Julius Caesar's summary of his swift victory at Zela in 47 B.C. over King Pharnaces of Pontus in the Pontic campaign; according to Plutarch; but Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus, A.D. 69?–A.D. 140?, a Roman biographer and historian, doesn't ascribe the words to Caesar, saying only that they were displayed before his title after his victories at Pontus.

The night comes when no man can work.

A translation from a Greek statement ["Night that puts to rest the works of men" by Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica (c. 225 B.C.)] as translated in The Vulgate version of John, ix, 4. (c. A.D. 70) from the New Testament part of the Bible.

Spoken words fly away, written words remain.

Also translated as: "Spoken words fly through the air, but written words endure" or "Get it down on paper."

1. Referring to how something is repeated word-for-word, literally, either written or spoken: In court, Janet repeated verbatim what the culprit told her on the street.
2. Etymology: from Latin verbum, "word." © ALL rights are reserved.
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