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.

Qui docet discit.
He who teaches learns.

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.

Qui ex patre filioque procedit.
Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son.

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.

Qui facit per alium facit per se.
What a man does through an agent, he does himself.

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.

Qui facit per alium facit per se.
He who acts through another acts for himself.

Motto of Perse Grammar School, U.K.

Qui fugiebat rursus proeliabitur.
He who has fled will do battle once more.

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.

Qui me amat, amat et canem meam.
Who loves me loves my dog as well.

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."

Qui pro domina justitia sequitur.
Who follows in defense of Lady Justice.

Motto on the seal of the United States Department of Justice. "Someone who follows in defense of Lady Justice."

Qui scribit bis legit.
He who writes reads twice.

A suggestion that it is a good idea to write out something that one wishes to learn thoroughly.

Qui tacet consentit. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "He who remains silent consents."

Another translation is "Silence implies consent."

Qui timide rogat docet negare.
He who asks timidly teaches to refuse.

Other translations include: "He who asks timidly invites refusal" and "Don't be afraid to ask."

Qui transtulit sustinet.
He who transplanted still sustains.

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."

Quid est veritas?
What is truth?

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).

Quid est vita sine philosophia? (Latin question)
Translation: "What is life without philosophy?" or "What is life without a love of/for wisdom?"
Quid novi? (Latin question)
Translation: "What's new?"
Quid nunc?
What now?

The two words have been combined to make an English word, quidnunc, meaning a gossip; an over-curious person; or a busybody.


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