Latin Proverbs, Mottoes, Phrases, and Words: Group Q
(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.
Whenever a teacher prepares lessons for pupils/students, he/she can not help but learn; that is, if she/he actually prepares the materials.
To put it another way, "The best way to learn a subject is to teach it." Every dedicated teacher knows the truth of this proverb.
The words and the Son were not included in the original Nicene Creed. The later insertion of these words occasioned the Filioque dispute; that is, one of the apparently irreconcilable differences between the Latin and Greek Orthodox churches.
A man (or woman) must accept responsibility when he/she empowers another to act in his/her place. A legal term that states that the acts of an agent are the acts of the principal.
Motto of Perse Grammar School, U.K.
Another translation version is "For he who fights and runs away may live to fight another day." The Latin proverb was written by Tertullian who was quoting a Greek source on the futility of making a last-ditch stand when the reality most likely could be a complete wipe out.
A Latin statement informing the world that everyone will have to accept you as you are and has the alternative translation of "Love me, Love my dog."
Motto on the seal of the United States Department of Justice. "Someone who follows in defense of Lady Justice."
A suggestion that it is a good idea to write out something that one wishes to learn thoroughly.
Another translation is "Silence implies consent."
Other translations include: "He who asks timidly invites refusal" and "Don't be afraid to ask."
Motto of the State of Connecticut, USA. Further meaning: "God brought us here and still looks after us" or "God brought us here and still takes care of us."
This is an anagram that is said to come from an unknown medieval writer. Readers of the New Testament will recall that, when Christ was taken before Pilate as a criminal, He said, "To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."
When Pilate asked, "What is truth?" (Quid est veritas?) there is no indication that Christ replied; however, the medieval anagrammatist pointed out that, strangely enough, the question contained its own answer. A rearrangement of Quid est veritas gives us Est vir qui adest (It is the Man who is here); in other words, Christ Himself is the Truth (John 18:37-38).
The two words have been combined to make an English word, quidnunc, meaning a gossip; an over-curious person; or a busybody.
Units of mottoes and proverbs listed by groups: A to X.