Proverbs in Latin. Latin proverbs with translation

Proverbs in Latin. Latin proverbs with translation
Proverbs in Latin. Latin proverbs with translation
19.06.2019

latin idioms , following the Latin proverb, “they have their own fate” - as common to all, connected at least with the fact that “Latin is out of fashion now” and they no longer fly from our lips to theirs mother tongue, melting and his own, separate for each.

The fate of individual expressions - the history of their occurrence, cases of use in classical literature, possible rethinking, etc., is not indifferent to their present meaning, to the role they play in the modern language.

In general, it should be noted that for the most part, Latin expressions are unsuitable for mechanical or grossly utilitarian use, they are highly associative, awaken in us a swarm of ideas and thoughts, you need to know something about them in order to appreciate the full richness of their content, to feel their correlation with cultural layers lying deep in time. Take such a familiar - "the die is cast!". Even if you do not remember Julius Caesar, who, after the most painful reflections, decided to violate the decision of the Senate, all the same, this expression is applicable only in special, some kind of emergency circumstances: it reflects the formidable deeds that Roman history is so rich in.

Indeed, it can be argued that many latin expressions have long taken root on the basis of a foreign language for them, have become familiar, their own, so that, pronouncing them, we almost do not guess their special, citation meaning. Using, for example, the expression "without anger and passion", it is not at all necessary to know that it was bequeathed to us by Cornelius Tacitus at the beginning of his great (though far from impartial) historical work. Indeed, one can even say that such phraseologisms, Latin in origin, have remained for centuries not for some reason, but thanks to the genius of the Latin language itself, primarily its “strong brevity in images” (Lomonosov). In translation, they retain their meaning of a well-formulated general thought, in other cases - just an economical verbal turnover. For example, we use the expression “not much, but a lot” precisely as a general formula, each time filling it with new concrete content (however, speaking conditionally here, because this formula itself makes us think: it expresses the idea of quality).

Another thing is actually "winged" sayings, aphorisms or apt quotes. Their meaning lies in the fact that it is not reducible to a ready-made general meaning. In them, the meaning lives attached to the circumstances of its birth and enriched by a distant, as in a trumpet, historical perspective; it must be imagined, it exists in the form of a certain image. The property of deep historical figurativeness is inherent in any word in general, unless it is used in a bare service function (not in “current matters of thought”, in the words of the linguist philosopher A. A. Potebnya). The meaning-image is perceived, or rather obtained, each time anew - on the basis of a common cultural tradition for the interlocutors (“tradition” means tradition, according to Dahl, “everything that has been passed orally from one generation to another”). The word in this sense is the prototype of culture. Let's take one example, close to the subject of our conversation.

Why do we instantly, “without hesitation”, perceive Pushkin’s “I am a Roman at heart” or the same with other Russian poets “I am a Roman at heart” and even “I was born in Rome”? Obviously, because "Rome" exists in the language somewhere near the image of high citizenship and civil freedom, and the one who pronounces this word simultaneously presses this key of our spiritual consciousness. The image of civil Rome has its own history, begun by the comprehension by the Romans themselves, and its own legend through the ages - after Pushkin's poems, it is already associated with them, and with the general meaning that the people of the Decembrist era put into the words "Rome", "Republic".

This is evidence of the pagan senate,
These things don't die...

Of course, this key alone does not exhaust all the richness of the inner image-concept. It is generally inexhaustible. But it is important that understanding-consonance is achieved. “Life is short - culture is eternal,” one might say, paraphrasing ancient wisdom. From this point of view, destiny Latin winged expressions, their history very interesting for us.

Not all Latin expressions are Roman in origin. Some originated in the Middle Ages and even later. Latin until modern times not only remained the language of science, but was especially valued as the language most capable of aphoristic expression of thoughts, the language of epigraph inscriptions, as if carved in bronze, remaining for centuries. Some of the expressions fixed in the Latin form are taken from the Greek originals, such as Plato's idea that, while doing philosophy, people should think less about him or Socrates, and more about the truth.

A special place is occupied by expressions snatched from the very thick of Roman life, possessing the power of truly artistic imagery. One may not see the ruins of the Colosseum and not know that Spartacus was a gladiator, but this “those doomed to death greet you” alone will instantly give the impression of a terrible Roman arena and explain a lot in the character of these people. And "Carthage must be destroyed"?! Here it is, the Roman obligation, standing in the original in a special grammatical form created for its expression - the gerund!

The Roman special ideal has always, even in times of decline and the “corrupt city”, gravitated towards universal citizenship, “civilization” (a word that approximately means citizenship in translation), the embodiment of which for the Roman was his native city. As Ovid says: "Other peoples have a country with certain borders, only the Romans have the same concepts of the city and the world." Roman culture retains its universal, universal significance.

A. Morozov, based on the magazine "Family and School", 1970

Latin winged expressions with translation and transcription

List:

  • Abiens abi!
    [Abians abi!] Go away, go away!
  • Acta est factory.
    [Akta est plot].
    The show is over.
  • Alea jacta est.
    [Alea yakta est].
    Die is cast.
    It is used when talking about an irrevocably made decision. The words spoken by Julius Caesar when his troops crossed the Rubicon River, which separated Umbria from the Roman province of Cisalpine Gaul, that is, Northern Italy, in 49 BC. e. Julius Caesar, violating the law, according to which he, as a proconsul, could command an army only outside Italy, led it, being on the territory of Italy, and thereby began a civil war.
  • Amīcus Plato, sed magis amīca vertas.
    [Amicus Plyato, sed magis amika veritas].
    Plato is my friend, but truth is dearer (Aristotle).
    It is used when they want to emphasize that the truth is above all.
  • Amor tussisque non celantur.
    [Amor tussisque non celantur].
    You can't hide love and cough.
  • Aquala non captat muscas.
    [Aquila non captat muskas].
    The eagle does not catch flies.
  • Audiātur et altĕra pars!
    [Aўdiatur et altera pars!] Let the other side be heard!
    On the impartial consideration of disputes.
  • Aurea mediocritas.
    [Aўrea mediokritas].
    Golden mean (Horace).
    About people who avoid extremes in their judgments and actions.
  • Aut vincĕre, aut mori.
    [Aut vintsere, aut mori].
    Either win or die.
  • Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant!
    [Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant!] Hello, Caesar, those who are about to die greet you!
    Roman gladiator greetings,
  • Bibamus!
    [Beebamus!]<Давайте>let's drink!
  • Canis vivus melior est leōne mortuo.
    [Canis vivus melior est leone mortuo].
    A live dog is better than a dead lion.
    Wed from Russian proverb "Better a titmouse in the hands than a crane in the sky."
  • Carum est, quod rarum est.
    [Karum est, kvod rarum est].
    What is rare is valuable.
  • Causa causarum.
    [Kaўza kaўzarum].
    Cause of causes (main cause).
  • Cave canem!
    [Kawae kanem!] Be afraid of the dog!
    Inscription on the entrance of a Roman house; used as a general warning: be careful, attentive.
  • Clavus clavo pelltur.
    [Klyavus swear pellitur].
    The wedge is knocked out by a wedge.
  • Cognosce te ipsum.
    [Cognosce te ipsum].
    Know yourself.
    Latin translation of a Greek saying inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.
  • De gustĭbus non est disputandum.
    [De gustibus non est disputandum].
    Taste is not to be argued with.
  • Destruam et aedificabo.
    [Destruam et edificabo].
    I will destroy and build.
  • Dictum est factum.
    [Diktum est factum].
    No sooner said than done.
  • Dies diem document.
    [Dies diem dotsat].
    One day he teaches another.
    Wed from Russian proverb "Morning is wiser than evening".
  • Divide et impera!
    [Divide et impera!] Divide and conquer!
    The principle of the Roman conquest policy, perceived by subsequent conquerors.
  • Domus propria - domus optima.
    [Domus propria - domus optima].
    Your home is the best.
  • Dum spiro, spero.
    [Dum spiro, spero].
    While I breathe I hope.
  • Edĭmus, ut vivāmus, non vivĭmus, ut edāmus.
    [Edimus, ut vivamus, non vivimus, ut edamus].
    We eat to live, not live to eat (Socrates).
  • Errare humānum est.
    [Errare ghumanum est].
    To err is human (Seneca).
  • est modus in rebus.
    [Est modus in rebus].
    There is a measure in things, that is, everything has a measure.
  • Et fabula partem veri alphabet.[Et plot partem vary habet] And there is some truth in the fairy tale
  • Etiám sanáto vúlnĕre, cícatríx manét.
    [Etiam sanato vulnere, cicatrix manet].
    And even when the wound has healed, the scar remains (Publius Syr).
  • Facile dictu, difficile factu.
    [Facile dictu, difficile fact].
    Easy to say, hard to do.
  • Felicĭtas humāna nunquam in eōdem statu permănet.
    [Felicitas ghumana nunkvam in eodem statu permanet].
    Human happiness is never permanent.
  • Felicitas multos alphabet amīcos.
    [Felicitas multos ghabet amikos].
    Happiness has many friends.
  • Festina lente!
    [Festina lente!] Hurry slowly (do everything slowly).
    One of the common sayings of Emperor Augustus (63 BC - 14 AD).
  • Fiat lux!
    [Fiat luxury!] Let there be light! (Biblical expression).
    In a broader sense, it is used when it comes to grandiose accomplishments. Gutenberg, the inventor of printing, was depicted holding an unfolded sheet of paper with the words "Fiat lux!"
  • Hic mortui vivunt, hic muti loquuntur.
    [Ghik mortui vivunt, ghik muti lekwuntur].
    Here the dead are alive, here the dumb speak.
    The inscription above the entrance to the library.
  • Hodie mihi, cras tibi.
    [Ghodie mighi, kras tibi].
    Today for me, tomorrow for you.
  • Homo homni lupus est.
    [Ghomo ghomini lupus est].
    Man is a wolf to man (Plavt).
  • Homo propōnit, sed Deus dispōnit.
    [Ghomo proponit, sed Deus disponit].
    Man proposes, but God disposes.
  • Homo quisque fortunae faber.
    [Ghomo kviskve fortune faber].
    Each person is the creator of his own destiny.
  • In angustiis amici apparent.
    [In angustiis amizi apparant] Friends are known in trouble
  • In aqua scribre.
    [In aqua scribere].
    Write on water (Catullus).
  • In hoc signo vinces.
    [In ghok signo vintses].
    Under this banner you will win.
    The motto of the Roman emperor Constantine the Great, placed on his banner (4th century). Currently used as a trademark.
  • In optimā formā.
    [In optima form].
    In the best possible shape.
  • In tempŏre opportūno.
    [In tempore opportuno].
    At a convenient time.
  • In vino vertas.
    [In vino veritas].
    The truth is in wine.
    Corresponds to the expression "What a sober man has on his mind, then a drunk on his tongue."
  • Invēnit et perfēcit.
    [Invanite et perfecit].
    Invented and improved.
    Motto of the French Academy of Sciences.
  • Ipso facto.
    [Ipso facto].
    By the very fact.
  • Latrante uno, latrat statim et alter canis.
    [Lyatrante uno, lyatrat statim et alter kanis].
    When one dog barks, the other dog immediately barks.
  • Littera scripta manet.
    [Littera scripta manet].
    The written letter remains.
    Wed from Russian proverb "What is written with a pen, you can not cut down with an ax."
  • Memento mori!
    [Memento mori!] Remember death.
    The greeting that the monks of the Trappist Order, founded in 1664, exchanged at a meeting. It is also used as a reminder of the inevitability of death, the transience of life, and figuratively - about threatening danger or about something sad, sad.
  • Mens sana in corpŏre sano.
    [Mance sana in corporate sano].
    A healthy mind in a healthy body (Juvenal).
    Usually this saying expresses the idea of ​​the harmonious development of man.
  • Nil adsuetudĭne majus.
    [Nil adsvetudine maius].
    There is nothing stronger than habit.
    From the trademark of cigarettes.
  • Noli me tangre!
    [Noli me tangere!] Don't touch me!
    Gospel expression.
  • Non progredi est regredi.
    [Non progradi est regradi].
    Not going forward means going backwards.
  • Non sum, qualis eram.
    [Non sum, qualis eram].
    I am no longer what I was before (Horace).
  • Nota bene! (NB)
    [Nota bene!] Pay attention (lit.: notice well).
    A mark used to draw attention to important information.
  • Nulla dies sine linea.
    [Nulla dies sine linea].
    Not a day without a stroke; not a day without a line.
    Pliny the Elder reports that the famous ancient Greek painter Apelles (4th century BC) “used to, no matter how busy he was, not to miss a single day without practicing his art, drawing at least one line; this was the basis for the saying."
  • Nullum pericŭlum sine pericŭlo vincĭtur.
    [Nullum periculum sine periculyo vincitur].
    No danger is overcome without risk.
  • O tempŏra, o mores!
    [O tempora, o mores!] O times, o morals! (Cicero)
  • Omnes homnes aequāles sunt.
    [Omnes ghomines ekvales sunt].
    All people are the same.
  • Omnia mea mecum porto.
    [Omnia mea mekum porto].
    I carry everything with me (Biant).
    The phrase belongs to one of the "seven wise men" Biant. When his hometown of Priene was taken by the enemy and the inhabitants tried to take as many of their belongings with them as they fled, someone advised him to do the same. “I do just that, because I carry everything with me,” he replied, meaning that only spiritual wealth can be considered an inalienable property.
  • Panem et circles!
    [Panham et circences!] Bread and circuses!
    An exclamation expressing the basic demands of the Roman crowd in the era of the Empire. The Roman plebs put up with the loss of political rights, being content with the free distribution of bread, cash distributions and the organization of free circus spectacles.
  • Pax huic domui.
    [Paks ghuik domui].
    Peace to this house (Gospel of Luke).
    Greeting formula.
  • Per aspera ad astra.
    [Per aspera hell astra].
    Through thorns to the stars, that is, through difficulties to success.
  • Potius mori, quam foedari.
    [Potius mori, kwam fedari].
    Better to die than be disgraced.
    The expression is attributed to Cardinal James of Portugal.
  • Primus interpares.
    [Primus inter pares].
    First among equals.
    The formula characterizing the position of the monarch in the state.
  • Principium - dimidium totius.
    [Principium - dimidium totius].
    The beginning is half of everything (every business).
  • Quia nomĭnor leo.
    [Quia nominor leo].
    For I am called a lion.
    Words from the fable of the Roman fabulist Phaedrus (late 1st century BC - first half of the 1st century AD). The lion and the donkey shared the prey after the hunt. The lion took one share as the king of animals, the second - as a participant in the hunt, and the third, he explained, "because I am a lion."
  • Quod erat demonstrandum (q. e. d.).
    [Kvod erat demonstrandum] What was required to be proved.
    The traditional formula that completes the proof.
  • Quod tibi fiĕri non vis, altĕri non fecris.
    [Kvod tibi fieri non vis, alteri non fetseris].
    Don't do to others what you don't want yourself to do.
    The expression is found in the Old and New Testaments.
  • Quot capta, tot sensus.
    [Captain's quota, that sensus].
    How many people, so many opinions.
  • Repetitio est mater studiōrum.
    [Repetition est mater studioum].
    Repetition is the mother of learning.
  • Requiescat in pace! (R.I.P.).
    [Rekvieskat in pace!] May he rest in peace!
    Latin headstone inscription.
  • Scientia est potentia.
    [Science est potencia].
    Knowledge is power.
    An aphorism based on the statement of Francis Bacon (1561–1626) - an English philosopher, the founder of English materialism.
  • Scio me nihil scire.
    [Scio me nighil scire].
    I know that I know nothing (Socrates).
  • Si duo faciunt idem, non est idem.
    [Si duo faciunt idem, non est idem].
    If two people do the same thing, it is not the same thing (Terentius).
  • Si vis amari, ama!
    [Si vis amari, ama!] If you want to be loved, love!
  • Si vivis Romaé, Romāno vivito móre.
    [Si vivis Rome, Romano vivito more].
    If you live in Rome, live according to Roman customs.
    Novolatinskaya poetic saying. Wed from Russian proverb "Do not poke your head into a strange monastery with your charter."
  • Sol omnibus lucet.
    [Sol omnibus lucet].
    The sun shines for everyone.
  • Terra incognita.
    [Terra incognita].
    Unknown land (in a figurative sense - an unfamiliar area, something incomprehensible).
    On ancient maps, these words denoted unexplored territories.
  • Tertium non datur.
    [Tercium non datur].
    There is no third.
    One of the provisions of formal logic.
  • Theatrum mundi.
    [Teatrum mundi].
    World arena.
  • Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.
    [Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes].
    I'm afraid of the Danes, even those who bring gifts.
    The words of the priest Laocoön, referring to a huge wooden horse built by the Greeks (Danaans) allegedly as a gift to Minerva.
  • Totus mundus agit histriōnem.
    [Totus mundus agit ghistryonem].
    The whole world is playing a performance (the whole world is actors).
    Inscription on Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
  • Tres faciunt collegium.
    [Tres faciunt collegium].
    Three make up the council.
    One of the provisions of Roman law.
  • Ubi amici, ibi opes.
    [Kill amizi, ibi opes] Where there are friends, there is wealth
  • Una hirundo non facit ver.
    [Una ghirundo non facit ver].
    One swallow does not make spring.
    It is used in the sense of ‘should not be judged too hastily, by one act’.
  • Unā voice.
    [Una wotse].
    Unanimously.
  • Urbi et orbi.
    [Urbi et orbi].
    "To the city and the world," that is, to Rome and the whole world, for general information.
    The ceremony for the election of a new pope required that one of the cardinals dress the chosen one with a mantle, uttering the following phrase: "I dress you with Roman papal dignity, may you stand before the city and the world." At present, the Pope of Rome begins his annual address to the faithful with this phrase.
  • Usus est optimus magister.
    [Usus est optimus master].
    Experience is the best teacher.
  • Ut amēris, amabĭlis esto.
    [Ut ameris, amabilis esto].
    To be loved, be worthy of love (Ovid).
    From the poem "The Art of Love".
  • Ut salūtas, ita salutabĕris.
    [Ut salutas, ita salutaberis].
    As you greet, so you will be greeted.
  • Vademecum (Vademecum).
    [Wade mekum (Vademekum)].
    Come with me.
    This was the name of the pocket reference book, index, guide. The first to give this name to his work of this nature was the New Latin poet Lotikh in 1627.
  • Vae soli!
    [We so'li!] Woe to the lonely! (Bible).
  • Veni. vidi. Vici.
    [Vani. See. Vici].
    Came. Saw. Defeated (Caesar).
    According to Plutarch, with this phrase, Julius Caesar reported in a letter to his friend Aminty about the victory over the Pontic king Pharnaces in August 47 BC. e. Suetonius reports that this phrase was inscribed on a board carried before Caesar during the Pontic triumph.
  • Verba movent, exempla trahunt.
    [Verba movent, exemplary traghunt].
    Words excite, examples captivate.
  • Verba volant, scripta manent.
    [Verba volant, script manent].
    Words fly away, writing remains.
  • Vertas tempris filia est.
    [Veritas temporis filia est].
    Truth is the daughter of time.
  • Vita brevis est, ars longa.
    [Vita brevis est, ars lenga].
    Life is short, art is eternal (Hippocrates).
  • Vivat Academy! Vivant professors!
    [Vivat Academy! Vivant professores!] Long live the university, long live the professors!
    A line from the student anthem "Gaudeāmus".
  • Vivre est cogitare.
    [Vivere est cogitare].
    To live is to think.
    The words of Cicero, which Voltaire took as a motto.
  • Vivre est militare.
    [Vivere est militare].
    To live is to fight (Seneca).
  • Víx(i) et quém dedĕrát cursúm fortúna perégi.
    [Viks(i) et kvem dederat kursum fortune pereghi].
    I lived my life and walked the path assigned to me by fate (Virgil).
    The dying words of Dido, who committed suicide after Aeneas, leaving her, sailed from Carthage.
  • Volens nolens.
    [Volens nolens].
    Willy-nilly; want - do not want.

This list can hardly be called complete, given the great treasure trove of winged words, phrases and expressions of the Latin language.

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NEC MORTALE SONAT
(SOUNDS IMMORTAL)
Latin winged expressions

Amico lectori (To a friend-reader)

Necessitas magistra. - Need is a mentor (need teaches everything).

[netsessitas of the master] Compare: “Necessity for inventions is cunning”, “You will become bast shoes, as if there is nothing to eat”, “If you get hungry - you will guess bread”, “Suma and prison will give you mind”. A similar thought is found in the Roman poet Persia ("Satires", "Prologue", 10-11): "The teacher of arts is the stomach." From the Greek authors - in the comedy of Aristophanes "Plutos" (532-534), where Poverty, which they want to expel from Hellas (Greece), proves that it is she, and not the god of wealth Plutus (to everyone's joy, healed of blindness in the temple the god of healing Asclepius and now wasting himself on mortals), is the giver of all blessings, forcing people to engage in sciences and crafts.

Nemo omnia potest scire. - No one can know everything.

[nemo omnia potest scire] The basis was the words of Horace ("Odes", IV, 4, 22), taken as an epigraph to the Latin dictionary compiled by the Italian philologist Forcellini: "It is impossible to know everything." Compare: "You can not embrace the immensity."

Nihil habeo, nihil timeo. - I have nothing - I'm not afraid of anything.

[nihil habeo, nihil timeo] Compare with Juvenal (“Satires”, X, 22): “A traveler who has nothing with him will sing in the presence of a robber.” Also with the proverb " The rich man cannot sleep, he is afraid of a thief."

Nil sub sole novum. - There is nothing new under the sun.

[nil sub sole novum] From the Book of Ecclesiastes (1, 9), the author of which is considered to be the wise King Solomon. The point is that a person is unable to come up with anything new, no matter what he does, and everything that happens to a person is not an exceptional phenomenon (as it sometimes seems to him), but has already happened before him and will happen again after.

noli nocere! - Do no harm!

[zero nozere!] The main precept of a doctor, also known in the form “Primum non nocere” [primum non nozere] (“First of all, do no harm”). Formulated by Hippocrates.

Noli tangere circulos meos! - Don't touch my circles!

[zero tangere circulos meos!] About something inviolable, not subject to change, not allowing interference. It is based on the last words of the Greek mathematician and mechanic Archimedes given by the historian Valery Maxim (“Memorable deeds and words”, VIII, 7, 7). Taking Syracuse (Sicily) in 212 BC, the Romans gave him life, although the machines invented by the scientist sank and set fire to their ships. But the robbery began, and the Roman soldiers entered the courtyard of Archimedes and asked who he was. The scientist studied the drawing and, instead of answering, covered it with his hand, saying: "Do not touch this"; he was killed for disobedience. About this - one of the " learned fairy tales Felix Krivin ("Archimedes").

Nomen est omen. - The name is a sign.

[nomen est omen] In other words, the name speaks for itself: it tells something about a person, portends his fate. It is based on the comedy of Plautus "Persus" (IV, 4, 625): selling a pimp a girl named Lukrida, cognate with the Latin lucrum [lukrum] (profit), Toxil convinces him that such a name promises a good deal.

Nomina sunt odiosa. - Names are undesirable.

[nomina sunt odiosa] A call to speak on the merits, without getting personal, not to cite well-known names. The basis is the advice of Cicero (“In Defense of Sextus Roscius the American”, XVI, 47) not to mention the names of acquaintances without their consent to this.

Non bis in idem. - Not twice for one.

[non bis in idem] This means that twice for the same offense is not punished. Compare: "Two skins are not pulled from one ox."

Non curator, qui curat. - He who has worries is not cured.

[non curatur, qui curat] Inscription on the terms (public baths) in ancient Rome.

Non est culpa vini, sed culpa bibentis. It's not the wine's fault, it's the drinker's fault.

[non est kulpa vini, sed kulpa bibentis] From the couplets of Dionysius Katbna (II, 21).

Non omnis moriar. - Not all of me will die.

[non omnis moriar] So Horace in the ode (III, 30, 6), called "Monument" (see the article "Exegi monumentum"), speaks of his poems, arguing that while the high priest will ascend the Capitoline Hill, making an annual prayer for the good of Rome (which the Romans, like us, called the Eternal City), his unfading glory will also increase, Horace. This motif is heard in all rehashings of the "Monument". For example, in Lomonosov (“I erected a sign of immortality for myself ...”): “I won’t die at all, but death will leave // ​​my great part, as I end my life.” Or Pushkin (“I have erected a monument to myself not made by hands…”): Met, I will not die all - the soul in the cherished lyre // my ashes will survive and smolder will escape.

Non progredi est regredi. - Not to go forward means to go back.

[non progradi est regradi]

Non rex est lex, sed lex est rex. - Not the king is the law, and the law is the king.

[non rex est lex, sad lex est lex]

Non scholae, sed vitae discimus. - We study not for school, but for life.

[non schole, sed vitae discimus] Based on Seneca's reproach ("Moral Letters to Lucilius", 106, 12) to armchair philosophers, whose thoughts are divorced from reality, and their minds are cluttered with useless information.

Non semper erunt Saturnalia. - There will always be Saturnalia (holidays, carefree days).

[non sampler erunt saturnalia] Compare: “Not everything is Shrovetide for the cat”, “Not everything is with a supply, you will live with kvass”. Occurs in the work attributed to Seneca "The Apotheosis of the Divine Claudius" (12). Saturnalia was celebrated annually in December (since 494 BC), in memory of the golden age (the era of prosperity, equality, peace), when, according to legend, Saturn, the father of Jupiter, reigned in the region of Latium (where Rome was located). People had fun on the streets, went to visit; work, legal proceedings, and the development of military plans were stopped. For one day (December 19), the slaves received freedom, sat down at the same table with their modestly dressed masters, who, moreover, served them.

Non sum qualis eram. - I'm not what I used to be.

[non sum qualis eram] Starev, Horace ("Odes", IV, 1, 3) asks
the goddess of love Venus leave him alone.

Nosce te ipsum. - Know yourself.

[nostse te ipsum] According to legend, this inscription was inscribed on the pediment of the famous Temple of Apollo in Delphi (Central Greece). It was said that once seven Greek wise men (VI century BC) gathered near the Delphic temple and put this saying at the basis of all Hellenic (Greek) wisdom. The Greek original of this phrase, "gnothi seauton" [gnoti seauton], is given by Juvenal ("Satires", XI, 27).

Novus rex, nova lex. - New king - new law.

[novus rex, nova lex] Compare: “A new broom sweeps in a new way.”

Nulla ars in se versatur. - Not a single art (not a single science) closes in on itself.

[nulla are in se versatur] Cicero (“On the Limits of Good and Evil”, V, 6, 16) says that the goal of every science lies outside it: for example, healing is the science of health.

Nulla calamitas sola. - Trouble does not [walk] alone.

[nulla kalamitas sola] Compare: "Trouble has come - open the gate", "Trouble brings seven troubles."

Nulla dies sine linea. - Not a day without a line.

[nulla dies sine linea] A call to practice your art daily; an excellent motto for an artist, writer, publisher. The source is the story of Pliny the Elder (“Natural History, XXXV, 36, 12) about Apelles, a Greek painter of the 4th century BC. BC, who drew at least one line every day. Pliny himself, a politician and scientist, the author of the 37-volume encyclopedic work "Natural History" ("History of Nature"), which contains about 20,000 facts (from mathematics to art criticism) and used information from the works of almost 400 authors, followed this rule all his life Apelles, which became the basis for the couplet: "According to the testament of the elder Pliny, / / ​​Nulla dies sine linea."

Nulla salus bello. - There is no good in war.

[nulla salus bello] In Virgil's Aeneid (XI, 362), the noble Latin Drank asks the king of the rutuli Turna to end the war with Aeneas, in which many Latins die: either retire or fight the hero one on one, so that the daughter of the king Latina and the kingdom went to the victor.

Nunc vino pellite curas. - Now drive away worries with wine.

[nunc wine pallite kuras] In Horace's ode (I, 7, 31), Teucer refers to his companions in this way, forced to go into exile again after returning from the Trojan War to his native island of Salamis (see "Ubi bene, ibi patria").

Oh rus! - O village!

[o Rus!] “O village! When will I see you!” - Horace exclaims (“Satires”, II, 6, 60), telling how, after a vain day spent in Rome, having solved a bunch of things on the go, he wholeheartedly strives for a quiet corner - an estate in the Sabine Mountains, for a long time former subject his dreams (see "Hoc erat in votis") and presented to him by the Maecenas - a friend of Emperor Augustus. The philanthropist also helped other poets (Virgil, Proportion), but it was thanks to the poems of Horace that his name became famous and began to denote any patron of the arts. In the epigraph to the 2nd chapter of “Eugene Onegin” (“The village where Eugene was bored was a lovely corner ...”) Pushkin used a pun: “Oh rus! Oh Rus! »

O sancta simplicitas! - O holy simplicity!

[Oh sankta simplicitas!] About someone's naivety, slow-wittedness. According to legend, the phrase was said by Jan Hus (1371-1415), the ideologist of the Church Reformation in the Czech Republic, when during his burning as a heretic by the verdict of the Constance Church Cathedral, some pious old woman threw an armful of brushwood into the fire. Jan Hus preached in Prague; he demanded equalization of the rights of the laity with the clergy, called the only head of the church of Christ, the only source of doctrine - Holy Scripture, and some popes - heretics. The Pope summoned Hus to the Council to state his point of view, promising safety, but then, having kept him in prison for 7 months and executing him, said that he did not fulfill the promises made to the heretics.

O tempora! about mores! - About times! oh manners!

[oh tempora! oh mores!] Perhaps the most famous expression from the first speech of Cicero (consul 63 BC) against the senator-conspirator Catiline (I, 2), who is considered the pinnacle of Roman oratory. Revealing the details of the conspiracy at a meeting of the Senate, Cicero in this phrase is outraged both by the impudence of Catiline, who dared to appear in the Senate as if nothing had happened, although his intentions were known to everyone, and by the inaction of the authorities against the criminal plotting the death of the Republic; meanwhile in old days killed people and less dangerous to the state. Usually the expression is used, stating the decline of morals, condemning an entire generation, emphasizing the unheard-of nature of the event.

Occidat, dum imperet. - Let him kill, if only to reign.

[oktsidat, dum imperet] So, according to the historian Tacitus (Annals, XIV, 9), the power-hungry Agrippina, the great-granddaughter of Augustus, answered the astrologers who predicted that her son Nero would become emperor, but would kill his mother. Indeed, after 11 years Agrippina's husband was her uncle, Emperor Claudius, whom she poisoned 6 years later, in 54 AD, passing the throne to her son. Subsequently, Agrippina became one of the victims of the suspicion of the cruel emperor. After unsuccessful attempts to poison her, Nero staged a shipwreck; and having learned that the mother was saved, he ordered to stab her with a sword (Suetonius, “Nero”, 34). He himself also faced a painful death (see "Qualis artifex pereo").

Oderint, dum metuant. - Let them hate, if only they were afraid.

[oderint, dum matuant] The expression usually characterizes power, which rests on the fear of subordinates. The source is the words of the cruel king Atreus from the tragedy of the same name by the Roman playwright Action (II-I centuries BC). According to Suetonius ("Gaius Caligula", 30), the emperor Caligula (12-41 AD) liked to repeat them. Even as a child, he loved to be present during torture and executions, every 10th day he signed sentences, demanding that the condemned be executed with small, frequent blows. The fear in people was so great that many did not immediately believe the news of the murder of Caligula as a result of a conspiracy, believing that he himself spread these rumors in order to find out what they think of him (Suetonius, 60).

Oderint, dum probent. - Let them hate, if only they would support.

[oderinth, dum probent] According to Suetonius ("Tiberius", 59), this is what the emperor Tiberius (42 BC - 37 AD) used to say, reciting anonymous poems about his ruthlessness. Even in childhood, the character of Tiberius was shrewdly defined by the teacher of eloquence Theodore Gadarsky, who, scolding, called him “mud mixed with blood” (“Tiberius”, 57).

Odero, si potero. - I will hate if I can [and if I cannot, I will love against my will].

[odero, si potero] Ovid (“Love Elegies”, III, 11, 35) speaks of the attitude towards an insidious girlfriend.

Od(i) et amo. - I hate and love.

[odet amo] From the famous couplet of Catullus about love and hate (No. 85): “Though I hate, I love. Why? - perhaps you will ask. / / I don’t understand myself, but feeling it in myself, I collapse ”(translated by A. Fet). Perhaps the poet wants to say that he no longer feels the former sublime, respectful feeling for the unfaithful girlfriend, but he cannot stop loving her physically and hates himself (or her?) for this, realizing that he is cheating on himself, his understanding of love. The fact that these two opposite feelings are equally present in the hero's soul emphasizes the equal number of syllables in the Latin verbs "hate" and "love". Perhaps this is also why there is still no adequate Russian translation of this poem.

Oleum et operam perdidi. - I [in vain] spent (a) oil and labor.

[oleum et operam perdidi] This is how a person who has wasted time, worked to no avail, without getting the expected results, can say about himself. The proverb is found in the comedy of Plautus "The Punian" (I, 2, 332), where the girl, whose two companions the young man noticed and greeted first, sees that she tried in vain, dressing up and anointing herself with oil. Cicero gives a similar expression, speaking not only of oil for anointing (“Letters to relatives”, VII, 1, 3), but also about the oil for lighting used during work (“Letters to Atticus”, II, 17, 1) . We can also find a similar statement in Petronius' novel "Satyricon" (CXXXIV).

Omnia mea mecum porto. - I carry everything with me.

[omnia mea mekum porto] The source is a legend told by Cicero ("Paradoxes", I, 1, 8) about Biant, one of the seven Greek sages (VI century BC). Enemies attacked his city of Priyon, and the inhabitants, hastily leaving their homes, tried to take with them as many things as possible. To the call to do the same, Biant replied that this is exactly what he does, because. always carries in itself its true, inalienable wealth, for which knots and bags are not needed - the treasures of the soul, the wealth of the mind. It’s a paradox, but now Biant’s words are often used when they carry things with them for all occasions (for example, all their documents). The expression can also indicate a low level of income.

Omnia mutantur, mutabantur, mutabuntur. Everything is changing, has changed and will continue to change.

[omnia mutantur, mutabantur, mutabuntur]

Omnia praeclara rara. - Everything beautiful [is] rare.

[omnia praklara papa] Cicero (“Lelius, or On Friendship”, XXI, 79) talks about how difficult it is to find a true friend. Hence the final words of "Ethics >> Spinoza (V, 42): "Everything beautiful is as difficult as it is rare" (about how difficult it is to free the soul from prejudices and affects). Compare with the Greek proverb "Kala halepa" ("Beautiful is difficult"), given in Plato's dialogue "Hippias the Great" (304 e), where the essence of beauty is discussed.

Omnia vincit amor, . - Love conquers everything, [and we will submit to love!]

[omni vontsit amor, et nos tsedamus amori] Abbreviated version: “Amor omnia vincit” [amor omnia vontsit] (“Love conquers all”). Compare: “Though drowning, but converge with a sweetheart”, “Love and death do not know barriers.” The source of the expression is Virgil's Bucoliki (X, 69).

Optima sun communication. - The best belongs to everyone.

[optima sunt communia] Seneca (“Moral letters to Lucilius”, 16, 7) says that he considers all true thoughts to be his own.

Optimum medicamentum quies est. - The best medicine is rest.

[optimum medikamentum kvies est] The saying belongs to the Roman physician Cornelius Celsus (“Sentences”, V, 12).

Otia dant vitia. - Idleness breeds vices.

[ocia dant vicia] Compare: “Labor feeds, but laziness spoils”, “From idleness, foolishness profits, in labor the will is tempered.” Also with the saying of the Roman statesman and the writer Cato the Elder (234-149 BC), cited by Columella, writer of the 1st century. AD ("ABOUT agriculture", XI, 1, 26): "Doing nothing, people learn bad deeds."

otium cum dignitate - worthy leisure (dedicated to literature, arts, sciences)

[Otsium kum dignitate] Definition of Cicero (“On the Orator”, 1,1, 1), who, after leaving the affairs of the state, devoted his free time to writing.

Otium post negotium. - Rest - after work.

[ocium post negocium] Compare: “Did the job - walk boldly”, “Time for business, hour for fun”.

Pacta sunt servanda. - Treaties must be respected.

[pact sunt servanda] Compare: “A deal is more expensive than money.”

Paete, non dolet. - Pet, it doesn't hurt (it's okay).

[pete, non-dolet] The expression is used, wanting to convince a person by their own example to try something unknown to him, causing concern. These famous words of Arria, the wife of the consul Caecina Peta, who participated in an unsuccessful conspiracy against the feeble-minded and cruel emperor Claudius (42 AD), are cited by Pliny the Younger ("Letters", III, 16, 6). The plot was uncovered, its organizer Scribonian was executed. Pet, sentenced to death, had to commit suicide within a certain period, but could not decide. And once his wife, at the conclusion of the persuasion, pierced herself with her husband's dagger, with these words took him out of the wound and gave it to Pet.

Pallet: aut amat, aut student. - Pale: either in love or studying.

[pallet: out amat, out student] Medieval proverb.

pallida morte futura - pale in the face of death (pale as death)

[pallida morte futura] Virgil ("Aeneid", IV, 645) speaks of the Carthaginian queen Dido, abandoned by Aeneas, who decided to commit suicide in a fit of madness. Pale, with bloodshot eyes, she raced through the palace. The hero, who left Dido on the orders of Jupiter (see "Naviget, haec summa (e) sl"), seeing the glow of the funeral pyre from the deck of the ship, felt that something terrible had happened (V, 4-7).

Panem et circles! - Meal'n'Real!

[panem et circenses!] Usually characterizes the limited desires of the inhabitants, who are not at all concerned about serious issues in the life of the country. In this exclamation, the poet Juvenal ("Satires", X, 81) reflected the basic demand of the idle Roman mob in the era of the Empire. Resigned to the loss of political rights, the poor people were content with handouts that dignitaries achieved popularity among the people - the distribution of free bread and the organization of free circus spectacles (chariot races, gladiator fights), costume battles. Every day, according to the law of 73 BC, poor Roman citizens (there were about 200,000 in the I-II centuries AD) received 1.5 kg of bread; then they also introduced the distribution of butter, meat, and money.

Parvi liberi, parvum maluni. - Small children - small troubles.

[parvi liberi, parvum malum] Compare: “Big children are big and poor”, “Sorrow with small children, and twice as much with big ones”, “A small child sucks its chest, and a big one a heart”, “You can’t sleep a small child gives, and the big - to live.

Parvum parva decent. - Small suits small.

[parvum parva detsent (parvum parva detsent)] Horace (“Messages”, I, 7, 44), referring to his patron and friend Maecenas, whose name later became a household name, says that he is completely satisfied with his estate in the Sabine mountains (see. "Hoc erat in votis") and he is not attracted to life in the capital.

pauper ubique jacet. - The poor man is defeated everywhere.

[pavper ubikve yatset] Compare: “All the bumps fall on poor Makar”, “The censer smokes on the poor man”. From Ovid's poem Fasti (I, 218).

Pecunia nervus belli. - Money is the nerve (driving force) of war.

[pecunia nervus belli] The expression is found in Cicero ("Philippi", V, 2, 6).

Peccant reges, plectuntur Achivi. - Kings sin, but [simple] Achaeans (Greeks) suffer.

[paekkant reges, plectuntur akhiv] Compare: "The bars are fighting, and the peasants' forelocks are cracking." It is based on the words of Horace (“Messages”, I, 2, 14), who tells how the Greek hero Achilles (see “inutile terrae pondus”) insulted by King Agamemnon refused to participate in the Trojan War, which led to defeats and death many Achaeans.

Pecunia non olet. - Money doesn't smell.

[bakunia non olet] In other words, money is always money, no matter where it comes from. According to Suetonius (Divine Vespasian, 23), when Emperor Vespasian taxed public toilets, his son Titus began to reproach his father. Vespasian raised a coin from the first profit to his son's nose and asked if it smelled. “Non olet” (“He smells”), Tit replied.

Per aspera ad astra. - Through thorns (difficulties) to the stars.

[per aspera ad astra] Call to go to the goal, overcoming all obstacles on the way. In reverse order: "Ad astra per aspera" is the state motto of Kansas.

Pereat mundus, fiat justitia! - Let the world perish, but justice will (be done)!

[pereat mundus, fiat justice!] "Fiat justitia, pereat mundus" ("Let justice be done and let the world perish") - the motto of Ferdinand I, Emperor (1556-1564) of the Holy Roman Empire, expressing the desire to restore justice at any cost. The expression is often quoted with the last word replaced.

Periculum in mora. - Danger - in delay. (Procrastination is like death.)

[pariculum in mora] Titus Livius (“The History of Rome from the Foundation of the City”, XXXVIII, 25, 13) speaks of the Romans, oppressed by the Gauls, who fled, seeing that it was no longer possible to delay.

Plaudite, cives! - Applaud, citizens!

[plavdite, tsives!] One of the final appeals of Roman actors to the audience (see also “Valete et plaudite”). According to Suetonius (Divine Augustus, 99), before his death, the emperor Augustus asked (in Greek) the friends who entered to clap if he, in their opinion, played the comedy of life well.

Plenus venter non studet libenter. - A well-fed belly is deaf to learning.

[plenus venter non studet libenter]

plus sonat, quam valet - more ringing than meaning (more ringing than weighing)

[plus sonatas, kvam jack] Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 40, 5) speaks of the speeches of demagogues.

Poete nascuntur, oratores fiunt. Poets are born, but speakers are made.

[poet naskuntur, oratbres fiunt] Based on the words from Cicero's speech “In Defense of the Poet Aulus Licinius Archius” (8, 18).

pollice verso - twisted finger (finish him!)

[pollice verso] By turning the lowered thumb of the right hand to the chest, the audience decided the fate of the defeated gladiator: the winner, who received a cup of gold coins from the organizers of the games, had to finish him off. The expression is found in Juvenal ("Satires", III, 36-37).

Populus remedia cupit. The people are hungry for medicine.

[populus remedia will buy] Saying of Galen, personal physician of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (reigned 161-180), his son-in-law, co-ruler Verus and son of Commodus.

Post nubila sol. - After a bad weather - the sun.

[post nubila sol] Compare: "Not all bad weather, the sun will be red." It is based on a poem by the New Latin poet Alan of Lille (XII century): “After the gloomy clouds, it is more comforting for us than the ordinary sun; // so love after quarrels will seem brighter ”(translated by the compiler). Compare with the motto of Geneva: “Post tenebras lux” [post tenebras lux] (“After darkness, light”).

Primum vivere, deinde philosophari. - First to live, and only then to philosophize.

[primum vivere, deinde philosopharies] A call before talking about life, to experience and go through a lot. In the mouth of a person associated with science, it means that the joys of everyday life are not alien to him.

primus inter pares - first among equals

[primus inter pares] On the position of the monarch in a feudal state. The formula dates back to the time of the emperor Augustus, who, fearing the fate of his predecessor, Julius Caesar (he was too clearly striving for sole power and was killed in 44 BC, as see in the article “Et tu, Brute!” ), retained the appearance of a republic and freedom, calling himself primus inter pares (because his name was in first place in the list of senators), or princeps (i.e. the first citizen). Hence, established by Augustus by 27 BC. the form of government, when all republican institutions were preserved (the senate, elective offices, the people's assembly), but in fact the power belonged to one person, is called the principate.

Prior tempore - potior jure. - First in time - first in right.

[prior tempore - potior yure] A legal norm called the right of the first owner (first seizure). Compare: "Who ripened, he ate."

pro aris et focis - for altars and hearths [to fight]

[about Aris et Fotsis] In other words, to protect everything that is most precious. Occurs in Titus Livius ("History of Rome from the founding of the City", IX, 12, 6).

Procul ab oculis, procul ex mente. - Out of sight, out of mind.

[proculus ab oculis, proculus ex mente]

Procul, profani! - Go away, uninitiated!

[prokul este, profane!] Usually this is a call not to judge things that you do not understand. Epigraph to Pushkin's poem "The Poet and the Crowd" (1828). In Virgil (Aeneid, VI, 259), the prophetess Sibyl exclaims, having heard the howl of dogs - a sign of the approach of the goddess Hecate, the mistress of shadows: “Alien mysteries, away! Leave the grove immediately! (translated by S. Osherov). The seer drives away the companions of Aeneas, who came to her in order to find out how he could descend into the realm of the dead and see his father there. The hero himself was already initiated into the mystery of what is happening thanks to the golden branch he plucked in the forest for the mistress of the underworld, Proserpina (Persephone).

Proserpina nullum caput fugit. - Proserpina (death) spares no one.

[prozerpina nullum kaput fugit] Based on the words of Horace (“Odes”, I, 28, 19-20). About Proserpine, see the previous article.

Pulchra res homo est, si homo est. - A person is beautiful if he is a person.

[pulchra res homo est, si homo est] Compare in the tragedy of Sophocles “Antigone” (340-341): “There are many miracles in the world, / / ​​man is more wonderful than all of them" (translated by S. Shervinsky and N. Poznyakov). In the original Greek - the definition of "deinos" (terrible, but also wonderful). It's about the fact that great powers lurk in a person, with their help you can do good or evil deeds, it all depends on the person himself.

Qualis artifex pereo! What artist is dying!

[qualis artifex pereo!] About something valuable that is not used for its intended purpose, or about a person who has not realized himself. According to Suetonius (Nero, 49), these words were repeated before his death (68 AD) by the emperor Nero, who considered himself a great tragic singer and loved to perform in the theaters of Rome and Greece. The Senate declared him an enemy and was looking for execution according to the custom of his ancestors (they clamped the criminal’s head with a block and flogged him to death), but Nero was still slow to part with his life. He ordered either to dig a grave, or to bring water and firewood, all exclaiming that a great artist was dying in him. Only when he heard the approach of the horsemen, who were instructed to take him alive, Nero, with the help of the freedman Phaon, plunged a sword into his throat.

Qualis pater, talis filius. - What is the father, such is the good fellow. (What is the father, such is the son.)

[qualis pater, talis filius]

Qualis rex, talis grex. - What is the king, such is the people (i.e. what is the priest, such is the parish).

[qualis rex, talis grex]

Qualis vir, talis oratio. - What is the husband (man), such is the speech.

[qualis vir, talis et orazio] From the maxims of Publius Syra (No. 848): “Speech is a reflection of the mind: what is the husband, such is the speech.” Compare: "Know the bird by its feathers, and the young man by his speeches", "What is the priest, such is his prayer."

Qualis vita, et mors ita. What is life, such is death.

[qualis vita, et mors ita] Compare: "To a dog - dog death."

Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus. - Sometimes the glorious Homer dozes (mistakes).

[quandokwe bonus dormitat homerus] Horace ("The Science of Poetry", 359) says that even in Homer's poems there are weaknesses. Compare: "There are spots on the sun."

Qui amat me, amat et canem meum. Whoever loves me loves my dog ​​too.

[qui amat me, amat et kanem meum]

Qui canit arte, canat, ! - Who can sing, let him sing, [who knows how to drink, let him drink]!

[kvi kanit arte, rope, kvi bibit arte, bibat!] Ovid (“The Science of Love”, II, 506) advises the lover to reveal all his talents to his girlfriend.

Qui bene amat, bene castigat. - Who sincerely loves, sincerely (from the heart) punishes.

[kvi bene amat, bene castigat] Compare: “He loves like a soul, but shakes like a pear.” Also in the Bible (Proverbs of Solomon, 3, 12): "Whom the Lord loves, he punishes, and favors him, as a father to his son."

Qui multum alphabet, plus cupit. - Who has a lot, wants [still] more.

[qui multum habet, plus will buy] Compare: “To whom over the edge, give him more”, “Appetite comes with eating”, “The more you eat, the more you want.” The expression is found in Seneca ("Moral Letters to Lucilius", 119, 6).

Qui non zelat, pop amat. - Who is not jealous, he does not love.

[qui non zelat, non amat]

Qui scribe, bis legit. - Who writes, he reads twice.

[quie creaks, encore legit]

Qui terret, plus ipse timet. - He who inspires fear is even more afraid of himself.

[qui terret, plus ipse timet]

Qui totum vult, totum perdit. Whoever wants everything loses everything.

[qui totum vult, totum perdit]

Quia nominor leo. - For my name is a lion.

[quia nominor leo] About the right of the strong and influential. In the fable of Phaedra (I, 5, 7), the lion, hunting with a cow, a goat and a sheep, explained to them why he took the first quarter of the prey (he took the second for his help, the third because he was stronger, and he forbade even touching the fourth).

Quid est veritas? - What is truth?

[quid est varitas?] In the Gospel of John (18, 38) this is the famous question that Pontius Pilate, procurator of the Roman province of Judea, asked Jesus brought to him for judgment in response to His words: “For this I was born and for this I came into the world to bear witness to the truth; everyone who is from the truth hears my voice” (John 18:37).

Quid opus nota noscere? - Why test the tested?

[quid opus note noscere?] Plautus (“The Boastful Warrior”, II, 1) speaks of excessive suspicion towards well-established people.

Quidquid discis, tibi discis. Whatever you study, you study for yourself.

[quidquid discis, tibi discis] The expression is found in Petronius ("Satyricon", XLVI).

Quidquid late, apparebit. - All the secret will be revealed.

[quidquid latet, apparebit] From the Catholic hymn "Dies irae" [dies ire] ("Day of Wrath"), which refers to the coming day of the Last Judgment. The basis of the expression, apparently, was the words from the Gospel of Mark (4, 22; or from Luke, 8, 17): “For there is nothing secret that would not be made obvious, nor hidden that would not be made known and not revealed would".

Legiones redde. - [Quintilius Bap,] return [me] the legions.

[quintile ware, legiones redde] Regret for an irretrievable loss or a call to return something that belongs to you (sometimes they say simply "Legiones redde"). According to Suetonius (“Divine Augustus”, 23), Emperor Augustus repeatedly exclaimed so after the crushing defeat of the Romans under the command of Quintilius Varus from the Germans in the Teutoburg Forest (9 AD), where three legions were destroyed. Upon learning of the misfortune, Augustus did not cut his hair and beard for several months in a row, and every year he celebrated the day of defeat with mourning. The expression is given in Montaigne's "Experiences": in this chapter (book I, ch. 4) we are talking about human incontinence worthy of condemnation.

Quis bene celat amorem? - Who successfully hides love?

[quis bene celat amorem?] Compare: “Love is like a cough: you can’t hide from people.” Given by Ovid ("Heroides", XII, 37) in a love letter from the sorceress Medea to her husband Jason. She recalls how she first saw a beautiful stranger who arrived on the Argo ship for the golden fleece - the skin of a golden ram, and how Jason instantly felt Medea's love for him.

[quis leget hek?] This is how Persia, one of the most difficult to understand Roman authors, talks about his satires (I, 2), arguing that for the poet, his own opinion is more important than the recognition of readers.

Quo vadis? - Are you coming? (Where are you going?)

[quo vadis?] According to church tradition, during the persecution of Christians in Rome under the emperor Nero (c. 65), the apostle Peter decided to leave his flock and find a new place to live and work. As he left the city, he saw Jesus on his way to Rome. In response to the question: “Quo vadis, Domine? ” (“Where are you going, Lord?”) - Christ said that he was going to Rome to die again for a people deprived of a shepherd. Peter returned to Rome and was executed along with the apostle Paul, who was captured in Jerusalem. Considering that he was not worthy to die like Jesus, he asked to be crucified upside down. With the question "Quo vadis, Domine?" in the Gospel of John, the apostles Peter (13:36) and Thomas (14:5) addressed Christ during the Last Supper.

Quod dubitas, ne feceris. Whatever you doubt, don't do it.

[quod dubitas, ne fetseris] The expression is found in Pliny the Younger (“Letters”, I, 18, 5). Cicero also speaks of this (“On Duties”, I, 9, 30).

Quod licet, ingratum (e)st. - What is permitted does not attract.

[quod licet, ingratum est] In Ovid’s poem (“Love Elegies”, II, 19, 3), a lover asks her husband to guard his wife, if only for the sake of the other burning hotter with passion for her: after all, “there is no taste in what is permitted, the prohibition excites more sharply "(translated by S. Shervinsky).

Quod licet Jovi, non licet bovi. - What is allowed to Jupiter is not allowed to the bull.

[quod litse yovi, non litset bovi] Compare: “It’s up to the abbot, and the brethren - zas!”, “What is possible for the pan, then it’s impossible for Ivan.”

Quod petis, est nusquam. - What you crave is nowhere to be found.

[quod petis, est nuskvam] Ovid in the poem "Metamorphoses" (III, 433) refers to the beautiful young man Narcissus in this way. Rejecting the love of the nymphs, he was punished for this by the goddess of retribution, falling in love with what he could not possess - his own reflection in the waters of the source (since then, a narcissist has been called a narcissist).

Quod scripsi, scripsi. What I wrote, I wrote.

[quote skripsi, skripsi] Usually this is a categorical refusal to correct or redo your work. According to the Gospel of John (19, 22), this is how the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate answered the Jewish high priests, who insisted that on the cross where Jesus was crucified, instead of the inscription “Jesus of Nazarene, King of the Jews” made on Pilate’s order (according to Hebrew, Greek and Latin - 19, 19), it was written "He said:" I am the King of the Jews "(19, 21).

Quod uni dixeris, omnibus dixeris. What you say to one, you say to everyone.

[quod uni dixeris, omnibus dixeris]

Quos ego! - Here I am! (Well, I'll show you!)

[Quos ego! (quote ego!)] In Virgil (Aeneid, 1.135) these are the words of the god Neptune, addressed to the winds, which disturbed the sea without his knowledge, in order to smash the ships of Aeneas (the mythical ancestor of the Romans) against the rocks, thereby rendering a service unfavorable to hero Juno, wife of Jupiter.

Quot homines, tot sententiae. - How many people, so many opinions.

[quota homines, that sentencie] Compare: “A hundred heads, a hundred minds”, “The mind does not have a mind”, “Everyone has his own mind” (Grigory Skovoroda). The phrase is found in Terence's comedy "Formion" (II, 4, 454), in Cicero ("On the Borders of Good and Evil", I, 5, 15).

Re bene gesta. - to do - to do so,

[re bene guesta]

Rem tene, verba sequentur. - Comprehend the essence (master the essence), and there will be words.

[rem tene, verba sekventur] The words of the orator and politician given in the late textbook of rhetoric of the II century. BC. Cato the Elder. Compare with Horace (“Science of Poetry”, 311): “And the subject will become clear - without difficulty, and the words will be picked up” (translated by M. Gasparov). Umberto Eco (“The Name of the Rose”. - M .: Book Chamber, 1989. - P. 438) says that if he had to learn everything about a medieval monastery to write a novel, then the principle “Verba tene, res sequentur” applies in poetry ("Master the words, and the objects will be found").

Repetitio est mater studiorum.-Repetition is the mother of learning.

[repetition est mater studio]

Requiem aeternam. - Eternal rest [grant them, Lord].

[requiem eternam dona eis, domine] The beginning of the Catholic funeral mass, whose first word (requiem - peace) gave the name to many musical compositions written in her words; of these, the most famous are the works of Mozart and Verdi. The set and order of the texts of the requiem was finally established in the 14th century. in the Roman Rite and was approved by the Council of Trent (which ended in 1563), which banned the use of alternative texts.

Requiescat in pace. (R.I.P.) - May he rest in peace,

[requiescat in pace] In other words, peace be upon him (her). The final phrase of the Catholic prayer for the dead and a common epitaph. Sinners and enemies can be addressed to the parodic “Requiescat in pice” [requiescat in pice] - “Let him rest (may he rest) in tar.”

Res ipsa loquitur.-The thing speaks for itself [for itself].

[res ipsa lokvitur] Compare: “A good product praises itself”, “A good piece will find a mustache”.

Res, non verba. - [We need] deeds, not words.

[res, non verba]

Res sacra miser. - The unfortunate is a holy cause.

[res sacra miser] Inscription on the building of the former charitable society in Warsaw.

Roma locuta, causa finita. - Rome has spoken, the case is over.

[roma lokuta, kavza finita] Usually this is a recognition of someone's right to be the main authority in this area and decide the outcome of the case with their own opinion. The opening phrase of the bull of 416, where Pope Innocent approved the decision of the Carthaginian synod to excommunicate the opponents of Blessed Augustine (354-430), a philosopher and theologian, from the church. Then these words became a formula (“the papal curia made its final decision”).

Saepe stilum vertas. - Turn the style more often.

[sepe stylum vertas] Style (stylus) - a stick, with the sharp end of which the Romans wrote on waxed tablets (see “tabula rasa”), and with the other, in the form of a spatula, they erased what was written. Horace ("Satires", I, 10, 73) with this phrase encourages poets to carefully finish their works.

Salus populi suprema lex. - The good of the people is the highest law.

[salus populi suprema lex] The expression is found in Cicero (“On the Laws”, III, 3, 8). "Salus populi suprema lex esto" [esto] ("Let the good of the people be the supreme law") is the state motto of Missouri.

Sapere aude. - Strive to be wise (usually: strive for knowledge, dare to know).

[sapere avde] Horace ("Messages", I, 2, 40) speaks of the desire to rationally arrange his life.

Sapienti sat. - Smart is enough.

[sapienti sat] Compare: "Intelligent: pauca" [intelligenti pavka] - "Understanding [enough] not much" (an intellectual is understanding), "A smart one will understand at a glance." It is found, for example, in Terence's comedy "Formion" (III, 3, 541). The young man instructed the dodgy slave to get the money, and when asked where to get it, he answered: “Here is my father. - I know. What? - Smart is enough ”(translated by A. Artyushkov).

Sapientia gubernator navis. - Wisdom is the helmsman of the ship.

[sapiencia governor navis] Given in a collection of aphorisms compiled by Erasmus of Rotterdam (“Adagia”, V, 1, 63), with reference to Titinius, a Roman comedian of the 2nd century. BC. (fragment No. 127): "The helmsman controls the ship with wisdom, not force." The ship has long been considered a symbol of the state, as can be seen from the poem of the Greek lyricist Alkey (VII-VI centuries BC) under the code name "New Wall".

Sapientis est mutare consilium. - It is common for a wise man to [not be ashamed] to change [his] opinion.

[sapientis est mutare council]

Satis vixi vel vitae vel gloriae. - I have lived enough for life and for fame.

[satis vixi val vitae val glorie] Cicero (“On the return of Marcus Claudius Marcellus”, 8, 25) cites these words of Caesar, telling him that he did not live long enough for the fatherland, which suffered civil wars, and alone is able to heal its wounds.

Scientia est potentia. - Knowledge is power.

[scientia est potencia] Compare: "Without science - as without hands." It is based on the statement of the English philosopher Francis Bacon (1561-1626) about the identity of knowledge and human power over nature (“New Organon”, I, 3): science is not an end in itself, but a means to increase this power. S

cio me nihil scire. - I know that I don't know anything.

[scio me nihil scire] Translation into Latin of the famous words of Socrates, given by his student Plato ("Apology of Socrates", 21 d). When the oracle of Delphi (the oracle of the temple of Apollo at Delphi) called Socrates the wisest of the Hellenes (Greeks), he was surprised, because he believed that he knew nothing. But then, starting to talk with people who assured that they knew a lot, and asking them the most important and, at first glance, simple questions (what is virtue, beauty), he realized that, unlike others, he knows at least that knows nothing. Compare with the Apostle Paul (To the Corinthians, I, 8, 2): "Whoever thinks that he knows something, he still does not know anything as he should know."

Semper avarus eget. - The miser is always in need.

[semper avarus eget] Horace (“Messages”, I, 2, 56) advises curbing your desires: “The greedy one is always in need - so set limits to lust” (translated by N. Gunzburg). Compare: “The stingy rich man is poorer than the beggar”, “Not the poor one who has little, but the one who wants a lot”, “Not the poor one, who is poor, but the one who rakes”, “No matter how much the dog is enough, but the well-fed is not to be”, “You can’t fill a bottomless barrel, you can’t feed a greedy belly.” Also in Sallust (“On the Conspiracy of Catalina”, 11, 3): “Greed is not reduced either from wealth or from poverty.” Or Publilius Cyrus (Sentences, No. 320): "Poverty lacks little, greed - everything."

semper idem; semper eadem - always the same; always the same (same)

[samper idem; semper idem] "Semper idem" can be seen as a call in any situation to save peace of mind, do not lose face, be yourself. Cicero in his treatise “On Duties” (I, 26, 90) says that only insignificant people do not know the measure either in sorrow or in joy: after all, under any circumstances it is better to have “an even character, always the same facial expression” ( trans. V. Gorenshtein). As Cicero says in the Tusculan Conversations (III, 15, 31), this is exactly what Socrates was like: the quarrelsome wife of Xanthippe scolded the philosopher just because his expression was unchanged, “because his spirit, imprinted on his face, did not know changes "(translated by M. Gasparov).

Senectus ipsa morbus.-Old age itself is [already] a disease.

[senectus ipsa morbus] Source - comedy Terence "Formion" (IV, 1, 574-575), where Khremet explains to his brother why he was so slow to visit his wife and daughter, who remained on the island of Lemnos, that when he finally got there, learned that they themselves had long gone to him in Athens: "He was detained by illness." - "What? Which one? - “Here's another question! Is old age not a disease? (Translated by A. Artyushkov)

seniores priores. - Senior advantage.

[seniores priores] For example, you can say so, skipping the oldest in age forward.

Sero venientibus ossa. - Latecomers [get] the bones.

[sero vanientibus ossa] Greetings to late guests from the Romans (the expression is also known in the form "Tarde [tarde] venientibus ossa"). Compare: "The last guest gnaws a bone", "The late guest - bones", "Whoever is late, he slurps water."

Si felix esse vis, esto. - If you want to be happy, be [him].

[si felix essay vis, esto] Latin equivalent famous aphorism Kozma Prutkov (this name is a literary mask created by A.K. Tolstoy and the Zhemchuzhnikov brothers; this is how they signed their satirical works in the 1850s-1860s).

Si gravis, brevis, si longus, levis. - If [pain] is severe, then it is short-lived, if it is prolonged, then it is light.

[si gravis, brevis, si longus, levis] These words of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who was a very sick man and considered pleasure, understood by him as the absence of pain, to be the highest good, are cited and challenged by Cicero (“On the Limits of Good and Evil”, II, 29 , 94). Extremely serious illnesses, he says, are also long-term, and the only way to resist them is courage, which does not allow cowardice to show. The expression of Epicurus, since it is ambiguous (usually quoted without the word dolor [dolor] - pain), can also be attributed to human speech. It will turn out: "If [the speech] is weighty, then it is short, if it is long (wordy), then it is frivolous."

Si judicas, cognosce. - If you judge, figure it out (listen),

[si judikas, cognosce] In Seneca's tragedy "Medea" (II, 194) these are the words main character, addressed to the king of Corinth Creon, whose daughter Jason was going to marry - the husband of Medea, for whom she once betrayed her father (helped the Argonauts take away the golden fleece he kept), left her homeland, killed her brother. Creon, knowing how dangerous Medea's wrath was, ordered her to leave the city immediately; but, succumbing to her persuasion, gave her 1 day of respite to say goodbye to the children. This day was enough for Medea to take revenge. She sent clothes soaked in witchcraft drugs as a gift to the royal daughter, and she, putting them on, burned down along with her father, who hastened to help her.

Si sapis, sis apis.-If you are intelligent, be a bee (that is, work)

[si sapis, sis apis]

Si tacuisses, philosophus mansisses. - If you had kept silent, you would have remained a philosopher.

[si takuisses, philosophus mansisses] Compare: "Keep silent - you will pass for a smart one." It is based on the story given by Plutarch (“On the Pious Life”, 532) and Boethius (“Consolation of Philosophy”, II, 7) about a man who was proud of the title of philosopher. Someone denounced him, promising to recognize him as a philosopher if he patiently bears all the insults. After listening to the interlocutor, the proud man mockingly asked: “Now do you believe that I am a philosopher?” - "I would believe if you kept silent."

Si vales, bene est, ego valeo. (S.V.B.E.E.V.) - If you are healthy, it's good, and I'm healthy.

[si vales, bene est, ego valeo] Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 15, 1), talking about the ancient and preserved until his time (1st century AD) custom to begin a letter with these words, he himself addresses Lucilius like this: “If you are engaged in philosophy, that's good. Because only in it is health ”(translated by S. Osherov).

Si vis amari, ama. - If you want to be loved, love [yourself]

[si vis amari, ama] Quoted from Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 9, 6) words of the Greek philosopher Hekaton.

Si vis pacem, para bellum. If you want peace, prepare for war.

[she vis patsem, para bellum] The saying gave the name to the parabellum - a German automatic 8-shot pistol (it was in service with the German army until 1945). “Whoever wants peace, let him prepare for war” - the words of a Roman military writer of the 4th century. AD Vegetia ("A Brief Instruction in Military Affairs", 3, Prologue).

Sic itur ad astra. - So go to the stars.

[sik itur ad astra] These words from Virgil (“Aeneid”, IX, 641) are addressed by the god Apollo to the son of Aeneas Ascanius (Yul), who struck the enemy with an arrow and won the first victory in his life.

Sic transit gloria mundi. This is how worldly glory passes.

[sik transit gloria mundi] Usually they say this about something lost (beauty, glory, strength, greatness, authority), which has lost its meaning. It is based on the treatise of the German mystic philosopher Thomas of Kempis (1380-1471) "On the Imitation of Christ" (I, 3, 6): "Oh, how quickly worldly glory passes." Starting around 1409, these words are pronounced during the ceremony of consecrating a new pope, burning a piece of cloth in front of him as a sign of the fragility and perishability of everything earthly, including the power and glory he receives. Sometimes the saying is quoted with the replacement of the last word, for example: "Sic transit tempus" [sic transit tempus] ("Thus time passes").

50 476

Argumentum ad absurdum.

"Proof of absurdity."

Contumeliam nec ingenuus fert, nec fortis facit.

“An honest person does not tolerate insult, but a courageous person does not inflict it.”

Repetitio est mater studiorum.

"Repetition is the mother of learning."

Damant, quod non intellectual.

"They judge because they don't understand."

"From the heart."

O sancta simplicitas.

"Oh, holy simplicity."

Audire ignoti quom imperant soleo non auscultare.

“I am ready to listen to stupidity, but I will not obey.”

Ad impossibilia lex non cogit.

"The law does not require the impossible."

Latrante uno latrat stati met alter canis.

“When one dog barks, another immediately barks.”

Amicus plato, sed magis amica veritas.

"Plato is my friend but the truth is dearer."


Natura non nisi parendo vincitur.

"Nature is conquered only by obeying it."

Omne ignotum pro magnifico.

"Everything unknown seems grand."

Benefacta male locata malefacta arbitror.

“Blessings rendered to the unworthy, I consider atrocities.”

Amor, ut lacrima, ab oculo oritur, in cor cadit.

“Love, like a tear, is born from the eyes, falls on the heart.”

"With good intentions."

Cujusvis hominis est errare; nullius, nisi insipientis in errore perseverare.

"Each person is prone to error, but only a fool is prone to persist in error."

De gustibus non disputandum est.

"Tastes could not be discussed."

Condition sine qua non.

"Required condition."

Consuetudo est altera natura.

"Habit is second nature."

Carum quod rarum.

"Expensive is what is rare."

Accipere quid ut justitiam facias, non est tam accipere quam extorquere.

"The acceptance of remuneration for the administration of justice is not so much acceptance as extortion."

Aut vincere, aut mori.

"Either win or die."

Aequitas enim lucet per se.

"Justice shines on its own."

Citius, altius, fortius.

"Faster, higher, stronger."

Facile omnes, cum valemus, recta consilia aegrotis damus.

“All of us, when healthy, easily give advice to the sick.”

Beatitudo non est virtutis praemium, sed ipsa virtus.

"Happiness is not a reward for valor, but is itself valor."

Audi, multa, loquere pauca.

"Listen a lot, talk a little."

Divide et impera.

"Divide and rule."

Veterrimus homini optimus amicus est.

"The oldest friend is the best."

Homo homini lupus est.

"Man is a wolf to man."

De mortuis aut bene, aut nihil.

"About the dead or good, or nothing."

Bonis quod bene fit haud perit.

"What is done for good people is never done in vain."

Vestis virum reddit.

“Clothes make the man, clothes make the man.”

Deus ipse se fecit.

"God created himself."

Vivere est cogitare.

"To live is to think."

"Good luck!"

Fac fideli sis fidelis.

"Be loyal to the one who is loyal to you."

Antiquus amor cancer est.

"Old love is not forgotten."

Vox p?puli vox D?i.

"The voice of the people is the voice of God."

Consumor aliis inserviendo.

“Serving others, I waste myself; shining on others, I burn myself.

Calamitas virtutis occasio.

"Disaster is the touchstone of valor."

Dura lex, sed lex.

"The law is strong, but it's law."

Vir excelso animo.

"A man of exalted soul."

Aditum nocendi perfido praestat fides.

"Trust given to the treacherous allows him to harm."

Corruptio optimi pessima.

"The worst fall is the fall of the purest."

Dura lex, sed lex.

"The law is harsh, but it is the law."

Quotes in Latin with translation

“With agreement, small things grow; with discord, even great things fall into decay.”

Bene qui latuit, bene vixit.

"The one who lived imperceptibly lived well."

Facta sunt potentiora verbis.

"Acts are stronger than words."

Veni, vidi, vici.

"I came, I saw, I conquered."

Consensu omnium.

"By common consent."

Vir bonus semper tiro.

"A decent person is always a simpleton."

Scire leges non hoc est verba earum tenere, sed vim ac potestatem.

"Knowledge of the laws is not to remember their words, but to understand their meaning."

Melius est nomen bonum quam magnae divitiae.

"A good name is better than great wealth."

Castigo te non quod odio habeam, sed quod amem.

“I punish you not because I hate you, but because I love you.”

Amor non est medicabilis herbis.

"There is no cure for love."

Vox emissa volat; litera scripta manet.

What is said disappears, what is written remains.

"Memento Mori."

Deffuncti injuria ne afficiantur.

"The offense of the dead is beyond the jurisdiction."

Absentem laedit, qui cum ebrio litigat.

"He who argues with the drunk, he fights with the absent."

Bis dat, qui cito dat

“The one who gives quickly gives twice.”

Quod non alphabet principium, non alphabet finem.

"What has no beginning has no end."

Errare humanum est.

"Humans tend to make mistakes."

Memoria est signatarum rerum in mente vestigium.

"Memory is the trace of things fixed in thought."

Facilis descensus averni.

"The ease of descending into the underworld."

Poeta nascitur non fit.

"Poets are born, not made."

Audi, vide, size.

"Listen, look, shut up."

Sivis pacem para bellum.

"If you want peace, prepare for war."

Alitur vitium vivitque tegendo.

"By concealment, vice is nourished and sustained."

Ex parvis saepe magnarum rerum momenta pendent.

“The outcome of big cases often depends on small things.”

Haurit aquam cribro, qui discere vult sine libro.

"He who wants to learn without a book draws water with a sieve."

Concordia parvae res crescunt, discordia maximae dilabuntur.

“When there is agreement, small things grow; when there is disagreement, great things are destroyed.”

Descensus averno facilis est.

Phrases in Latin still attract young people and girls. There is something alluring in these words and letters, some kind of mysterious meaning. Each quote has its own story, its own author, its own time. Just think about the words: "Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes"; this phrase means - "I did everything I could, whoever can, let him do better" and refers to ancient Roman times, when the consuls chose their successors. Or: "Aliis inserviendo consumor", which means - "serving others I waste myself"; the meaning of this inscription was self-sacrifice, they wrote it under a candle. She also met in many old editions and collections of various symbols.

Do you want a Latin tattoo? To your attention - Aphorisms with translation and comments.

Latin tattoo

A contrario
On the contrary
In logic, a method of proof that consists in proving the impossibility of a proposition that contradicts what is being proved.

Ab ovo usque ad mala
"From eggs to apples", that is, from beginning to end
The dinner of the ancient Romans usually began with an egg and ended with fruit.

Abyssus abyssum invocat
The abyss calls to the abyss
Like entails like, or one calamity entails another calamity.

ad note
"Note"

Aditum nocendi perfido praestat fides ("In Latin")
The trust placed in the perfidious makes it possible for him to harm
Seneca, "Oedipus"

Advocatus diaboli ("In Latin")
Devil's Advocate
In an extended sense, the devil's advocate is the advocate of a lost cause that the defender himself does not believe in.

Alea jacta est ("About Latin")
"The die is cast", there is no way back, all bridges are burned
In 44 BC. e. Julius Caesar decided to seize sole power and crossed the Rubicon River with his troops, thereby breaking the law and starting a war with the Roman Senate.

Aliis inserviendo consumer
Serving others is wasting myself
The inscription under the candle as a symbol of self-sacrifice, cited in numerous editions of collections of symbols and emblems.

Amicus Socrates, sed magis amica veritas
Socrates is my friend, but the truth is dearer
The expression goes back to Plato and Aristotle.

Amor non est medicabilis herbis
Love is not treated with herbs, i.e. there is no cure for love
Ovid, Heroes

Annie currentis
Current year

Anno Domini
From the birth of Christ, in the year of the Lord
Form of designation of the date in the Christian chronology.

Ante annum
Last year

Aquila non captat muscas
The eagle does not catch flies, Latin proverb

Asinus Buridani inter duo prata
Buridan's donkey
A person who hesitates between two equal possibilities. It is believed that the philosopher Buridan, proving the failure of determinism, gave the following example: a hungry donkey, on both sides of which there are two identical and equidistant armfuls of hay, will not be able to prefer any of them and will eventually die of hunger. This image was not found in the writings of Buridan.

Aurea mediocritas
Golden mean
The formula of practical morality, one of the main provisions of the worldly philosophy of Horace, which found expression in his lyrics; It is also used to characterize mediocre people. Horace

Auribus tento lupum
I hold the wolf by the ears
I am in a hopeless situation. , latin proverb

Aut Caesar, aut nihil
Or Caesar or nothing
Wed Russian Either hit or miss. The source of the motto was the words of the Roman emperor Caligula, who explained his immoderate extravagance by the fact that “one must live either in self-denial, or in Caesar's way”.

Ave Caesar, imperator, morituri te salutant
Hail, Caesar, emperor, those who are about to die greet you
Greetings from Roman gladiators addressed to the emperor.

Beati pauperes spiritu, quoniam ipsorum est regnum caelorum
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 5:3

Benefacta male locata malefacta arbitror
Benefits rendered to the unworthy, I consider atrocities
Cicero

Cadmea victoria
"Kadm's victory", a victory won at an excessively high price and tantamount to defeat, or a victory disastrous for both sides
The expression arose on the basis of a legend about a duel in the struggle for Thebes, founded by Cadmus, the sons of Oedipus - Eteocles and Polynices. This duel ended in the death of both warring brothers.

Caesarem Decet Stanem Mori
Caesar befits to die standing, Report of Suetonius on the last words of the emperor Vespasian

Calamitas virtutis occasio
Calamity is the touchstone of valor
Seneca

Cantus cycneus
a swan song
“He says that just as the swans, having sensed the gift of prophecy from Apollo, to whom they are dedicated, foresee what a gift death will be for them, and die singing and with joy, so should all the good and wise.”
Cicero, Tusculan Discourses, I, 30, 73

Castigat ridento mores
"Laughter castigates morals"
The motto of the comedy theater (Opera Comique) in Paris. Originally - the motto of the Italian troupe of the comic actor Dominic (Dominico Brancolelli) in Paris, composed for her by the New Latin poet Santel (XVII century).

Ceterum censeo Carthaginem delendam esse
And besides, I maintain that Carthage must be destroyed
A persistent reminder, a relentless call to something. The Roman senator Marcus Porcius Cato, no matter what he had to express his opinion in the Senate, added: "Besides, I believe that Carthage should not exist."

Charta (epistula) non erubescit
Paper (letter) does not blush

Citius, altius, fortius!
Faster, higher, stronger!
The motto of the Olympic Games, adopted in 1913 by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Clipeum post vulnera sumere
Take up a shield after being wounded
Wed Russian They don't wave their fists after a fight.

Cloaca maxima
Great sewer, great cesspool
In ancient Rome - a large channel for the removal of urban sewage.

Cogitations poenam nemo patitur
No one is punished for thoughts, One of the provisions of Roman law (Digesta)

Cogito, ergo sum
I think, therefore I am
The position on the basis of which the French philosopher and mathematician Descartes tried to build a system of philosophy, free from elements of faith and based entirely on the activity of the mind.
Rene Descartes, Elements of Philosophy, I, 7, 9

Concordia parvae res crescunt, discordia maximae dilabuntur
With agreement (and) small states (or affairs) grow, with discord (and) great ones are destroyed
Sallust, "Jugurtin's War"

Conscientia mille testes
Conscience is a thousand witnesses, Latin proverb

Consuetudo est altera natura
Habit is second nature
Habit creates a kind of second nature
Cicero, "On the Supreme Good and the Supreme Evil", V, 25, 74 (in the presentation of the views of the philosophers of the Epicurean school)

Cornucopiae
Cornucopia
The origin of the expression is associated with the Greek myth of the goddess Amalthea, who nursed the baby Zeus with goat's milk. The goat broke her horn on a tree, and Amalthea, filling it with fruits, offered it to Zeus. Subsequently, Zeus, having overthrown his father, Kronos, turned the goat that fed him into a constellation and its horn into a wonderful "horn of plenty".
Ovid, Fasti

Corruptio optimi pessima
The fall of the good is the most evil fall

Credat Judaeus Apella
“Let the Jew Apella believe this,” that is, let anyone believe, but not me
Horace, "Satires"

Credo, quia verum
I believe because it's ridiculous
A formula that clearly reflects the fundamental opposition between religious faith and scientific knowledge of the world and is used to characterize a blind faith that does not reason.

De gustibus non disputandum est
Tastes could not be discussed
Wed Russian There is no comrade for the taste and color.

De mortuis aut bene, aut nihil
About dead or good or nothing
A probable source is the saying of Chilo “about the dead do not slander”.

Decies repetita placebit
And ten times repeated will please
Horace, "The Science of Poetry"

Decipimur specie recti
We are deceived by the appearance of the right
Horace, "The Science of Poetry"

Deest remedii locus, ubi, quae vitia fuerunt, mores fiunt
There is no place for drugs where what was considered a vice becomes a custom
Seneca, "Letters"

Delirium tremens
"Trembling delirium", delirium tremens
Acute mental illness resulting from prolonged alcohol abuse.

Desipère in loco
Crazy where appropriate
Horace, "Odes"

Deus ex machina
god from the machine
Reception ancient tragedy when a tangled intrigue received an unexpected denouement through the intervention of a god who appeared through a mechanical device.
In modern literature, the expression is used to indicate an unexpected resolution of a difficult situation.

Dies diem docet
The day teaches the day
A brief formulation of the thought expressed in the verse Publication Sira: "The next day is the student of the previous day."

Dies irae, dies illa
That day, the day of wrath
The beginning of the medieval church hymn is the second part of the funeral mass, the requiem. The hymn is based on the biblical prophecy of the Day of Judgment, "The Prophecy of Zephaniah", 1, 15.

Diluvi testes
Witnesses of the Flood (i.e., ancient times)
About people with outdated, archaic views.

Divide and impera
Divide and rule
Latin formulation of the principle of imperialist policy, which arose already in modern times.

Dolus an virtus quis in hoste requirat?
Who will decide between cunning and valor when dealing with an enemy?
Virgil, "Aeneid", II, 390

Ducunt volentem fata, nolentem trahunt
Fate leads the one who wants to go, the unwilling one drags
The saying of Cleanthes, translated into Latin by Seneca.

Dura lex, sed lex
The law is harsh, but it is the law
No matter how harsh the law, it must be observed.

Ecce spectaculum dignum, ad quod respiciat intentus operi suo deus
Here is a spectacle worthy of God looking back at him, contemplating his creation
Seneca, "On Providence"

Edite, bibite, post mortem nulla voluptas!
Eat, drink, there is no pleasure after death!
From an old student song. A common motif of ancient inscriptions on tombstones and tableware.

Ego sum rex Romanus et supra grammaticos
I am a Roman emperor and I am above grammarians
The words said, according to legend, at the Council of Constance by Emperor Sigismund in response to an indication made to him that by using the word schisma in the feminine gender, he violated Latin grammar.

Ergo bibamus
So let's have a drink
Title and salutation of Goethe's drinking song.

Esse oportet ut vivas, non vivere ut edas
You have to eat to live, not live to eat
A medieval maxim paraphrasing the ancient sayings of Quintilian: “I eat to live, not live to eat” and Socrates: “Some people live to eat, but I eat to live.”

Et tu quoque, Brute!
And you Brute!
Words, as if uttered before his death by Caesar, stabbed with twenty-three swords of conspirators.

Etiam innocentes cogit mentiri dolor
Pain makes even the innocent lie
Publius, "Sentences"

Ex ipso fonte bibere
Drink from the source itself, i.e. refer to the original source
Cicero, "On Duties"

Ex malis eligere minima
Choose the least of evils

ex nihilo nihil fit
Nothing comes from nothing; nothing comes out of nothing
Paraphrase of the main position of Epicurean philosophy in Lucretius

Fac-simile(from fac+simile "do like this")
Exact copy
Peren. display of one phenomenon in another.

Facilis descensus Avernis
The path through Avernus is easy, that is, the path to the underworld
Lake Avernus near the city of Kuma in Campania was considered the threshold of the underworld.

Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes
I did my best, who can, let him do better
A paraphrase of the formula with which the Roman consuls concluded their reporting speech, transferring authority to the successor.

fiat lux
Let there be light
And God said: let there be light. And there was light. , Bible, Genesis, I, 3

Hoc est vivere bis, vita posse priore frui
To be able to enjoy the life lived means to live twice
Martial, "Epigrams"

Homo homini lupus est
Man to man is a wolf
Plautus, "Donkeys"

Homo proponit, sed deus disponit
Man proposes, God disposes
It goes back to Thomas the Kempis, the source for which was the Bible, Proverbs of Solomon "The heart of a man directs his way, but it depends on the Lord to direct his steps."

Igni et ferro
Fire and iron
The original source of the expression goes back to the first aphorism of Hippocrates: "What medicines do not cure, iron heals; what iron does not cure, fire heals." Cicero, Livy used the expression "to destroy with fire and sword." Bismarck proclaimed the policy of German unification with iron and blood. The expression gained wide popularity after the publication of the novel "With Fire and Sword" by Henryk Sienkiewicz.

Ignoscito saepe alteri, nunquam tibi
Forgive others often, never yourself
Publius, Maxims

Imperitia pro culpa habetur
Ignorance is imputed, Formula of Roman law

In pace leones, in proelio cervi
In time of peace - lions, in battle - deer
Tertullian, "On the wreath"

In sensu strictiori
In a narrower sense

In silvam non ligna feras insanius
Less madness would be to carry firewood into the forest
Horace, "Satires"

In vino veritas
Truth in wine
Wed Pliny the Elder: "It is generally accepted to attribute truthfulness to guilt."

In vitium ducit culpae fuga
The desire to avoid a mistake involves another
Horace, "The Science of Poetry"

Infelicissimum genus infortunii est fuisse felicem
The greatest misfortune is to be happy in the past
Boethius

Intelligent pauca
For those who understand, a little is enough

Ira furor brevis est
Anger is a momentary insanity
Horace, "Messages"

Is fecit cui prodest
Made by the one who benefits

Jus primae noctis
Right of the first night
The custom according to which a feudal lord or landowner could spend his wedding night with the bride of his beloved vassal or serf.

Leve fit, quod bene fertus onus
A load becomes light when you carry it with humility.
Ovid, Love Elegies

Lucri bonus est odor ex re qualibet
The smell of profit is pleasant, no matter where it comes from
Juvenal, "Satires"

Manus manum lavat
hand washes hand
A proverb that goes back to the Greek comedian Epicharmus.

Margaritas ante porcos
Cast pearls before swine
“Do not give the shrine to dogs; and do not cast pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn, they will not tear you apart. , Gospel of Matthew, 7, 6

memento mori
memento Mori
A form of greeting exchanged upon meeting by the monks of the Trappist Order, founded in 1664. It is used both as a reminder of the inevitability of death, and in a figurative sense - of imminent danger.

Nigra in candida vertere
turn black into white
Juvenal, "Satires"

Nihil est ab omni parte beatum
“There is nothing prosperous in all respects,” that is, there is no complete well-being
Horace, "Odes"

Nihil habeo, nihil curo
I don't have anything - I don't care about anything

Nitinur in vetitum semper, cupimusque negata
We always strive for the forbidden and desire the unlawful
Ovid, Love Elegies

Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum
“Not every person manages to get to Corinth”, which is not dear to everyone The Corinthian hetaera * Laida, famous for her beauty, was available only to the rich who came to her from all over Greece, which is why a common saying among the Greeks arose: “not everyone can swim in Corinth brought." Once Demosthenes secretly came to Laida, but when she asked him to give ten thousand drachmas **, he turned away with the words: "I do not pay ten thousand drachmas for repentance."
* - in Dr. Greece, an educated unmarried woman leading a free, independent lifestyle.
** - approximately the price of four kilograms of gold.

Nunc est bibendum
Now I gotta drink
Horace, "Odes"

O imitatores, servum pecus!
O imitators, slave herd!
Horace, "Messages"

O sancta simplicitas!
Oh holy simplicity
The phrase attributed to the Czech reformer, the hero of the national liberation movement Jan Hus. According to legend, Gus, who was being burned at the stake, uttered these words when some old woman, out of pious motives, threw an armful of brushwood into the fire.

O tempora! About mores!
O times! Oh manners!
“Speech against Catiline”, “O times! Oh manners! The Senate understands this, the consul sees it, and he [Catiline] lives.”
Cicero

Oderint dum metuant
Let them hate, if only they were afraid
The words of Atreus from the tragedy Aktion named after him. According to Suetonius, this was the favorite saying of the emperor Caligula.

Omne ignotum pro magnifico est
Everything unknown appears majestic
Tacitus, "Agricola"

Omnia mea mecum porto
I carry everything with me
When the city of Priene was taken by the enemy and the inhabitants on the run tried to capture more of their belongings, someone advised the sage Biantu to do the same. “That's what I do, because I carry everything of mine with me,” he replied, referring to his spiritual wealth.

Optimum medicamentum quies est
The best medicine is peace
A medical aphorism, authored by the Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus.

Panem and circles
Meal'n'Real
An exclamation expressing the basic demands of the Roman crowd in the era of the Empire.

Per aspera ad astra
"Through hardship to the stars"; through difficulties to a high goal

Per risum multum debes cognoscere stultum
By frequent laughter you should recognize a fool, Medieval proverb

Periculum in mora
"Danger in procrastination", i.e., procrastination is dangerous
Titus Livy, "History", "When there was already more danger in delay than in violation of military order, everyone randomly fled."

persona grata
Desired person or trusted person

Post scriptum (postscriptum) (abbr. P.S.)
After what was written
Postscript at the end of the letter.

Primus inter pares
First among equals
A formula characterizing the position of the monarch in a feudal state.

Pro et contra
Pros and cons

Quae sunt Caesaris Caesari
Caesar's to Caesar
“Render back the things of Caesar to Caesar and to the God of God,” Jesus' response to the Pharisees who asked whether Caesar (i.e., the Roman emperor) should be paid the fee he demanded. , Gospel of Luke, 20, 25

Qui alphabet aures audiendi, audiat
He who has ears to hear, let him hear, Matthew 11:15

Qui tacet – consentire videtur
Who is silent is considered as having agreed
Wed Russian Silent means consent.

Quid brevi fortes jaculamur aevo multa?
Why should we strive for so much in a fleeting life?
Horace, "Odes"

Quot capita, tot sensus
How many heads, so many minds
Wed Terence, Formion: So many people, so many opinions.

Rideamus!
Let's laugh!

Risus sardonicus
sardonic laughter
According to the explanation of the ancients - laughter, reminiscent of a convulsive grimace caused by poisoning of poisonous grass growing on the island of Sardinia.

Salus reipublicae - suprema lex
The welfare of the state is the supreme law
Paraphrase from "Let the good of the people be the highest law."

Salve, maris stella
Hello star of the sea
A variant of the initial words of the Catholic church hymn “Ave, maris stella” (IX century) - Mary was considered a guide for sailors due to the erroneous convergence of her name (ancient Hebrew Mirjam) with the Latin word mare “sea”.

Scio me nihil scire
I know that I know nothing
Latin translation of loosely interpreted words of Socrates.
Wed Russian Learn forever, you'll die a fool.

Si vis pacem, para bellum
If you want peace, prepare for war
Source - Vegetius. Also cf. Cicero: "If we want to enjoy the world, we have to fight" and Cornelius Nepos: "The world is created by war."

Solitudinem faciunt, pacem appelant
They create a desert and call it peace
From the speech of the British leader Kalgak, urging his fellow tribesmen to resolutely oppose the Romans who invaded their country.
Tacitus, "Agricola"

Summa summarum
"Sum of sums", i.e. the final total or in the grand total
In ancient times, the phrase was used in the meaning of "a set of things" or "universe".

Suum cuique
To each his own, that is, to each what belongs to him by right, to each according to his merits, Regulation of Roman law

Tarde venientibus ossa
Who comes late - the bones, Latin proverb

Tempus edax rerum
Devouring Time
Ovid, "Metamorphoses"

Terra incognita
Unknown land; trans. something completely unknown or inaccessible area
On ancient geographical maps, unexplored parts of the earth's surface were designated in this way.

Tertium non datur
There is no third; there is no third
In formal logic, this is how one of the four laws of thinking is formulated - the law of the excluded middle. According to this law, if two diametrically opposed propositions are given, of which one affirms something, and the other, on the contrary, denies, then there cannot be a third, middle judgment between them.

Tibi et igni
“To you and the fire”, i.e. read and burn

Timeo Danaos and dona ferentes
Be afraid of the Danes, even those who bring gifts
The words of the priest Laocoön, referring to a huge wooden horse built by the Greeks (Danaans) allegedly as a gift to Minerva.

Tranquillas etiam naufragus horret aquas
The shipwrecked and still water fears
Wed Russian Burnt child dreads the fire.
Ovid, "Messages from Pontus"

Urbi et orbi
"City and the world"; to the whole world, to everyone and everyone

Usus tyrannus
Custom is a tyrant

Varietas delectat
Variety is fun
Phaedrus, "Fables"

Veni, vidi vici
I came, I saw, I conquered
According to Plutarch, with this phrase, Julius Caesar reported in a letter to his friend Amintius about the victory in the battle of Zela in August 47 BC. e. over the Pontic king Farnak.

Victoria nulla est, Quam quae confessos animo quoque subjugat hostes
The real victory is only when the enemies themselves recognize themselves as defeated.
Claudian, "On the Sixth Consulate of Honorius"

Viva vox alit plenius
“Live speech nourishes more abundantly”, that is, what is orally stated is more successfully absorbed than what is written

NEC MORTALE SONAT
(SOUNDS IMMORTAL)
Latin winged expressions

Amico lectori (To a friend-reader)

A genio lumen. - From genius - light.

[a genio lumen] The motto of the Warsaw Scientific Society.

A Jove principle. - Starting from Jupiter.

[a yove principium)] So they say, moving on to a discussion of the main issue, the essence of the problem. In Virgil (Bukoliki, III, 60), with this phrase, the shepherd Damet begins a poetic contest with his friend, dedicating his first verse to Jupiter, the supreme god of the Romans, who was identified with the Greek Zeus.

Abiens abi. - Leaving go.

[abiens abi]

ad bestias - to the beasts (to be torn apart)

[ad bestias] Public reprisal against dangerous criminals (see Suetonius, Divine Claudius, 14), slaves, prisoners and Christians, widespread in the imperial era: they were thrown to predators in the circus arena. The first Christian martyrs appeared under the emperor Nero: in 64 AD, averting suspicions of burning Rome, he blamed the Christians for this. For several days, executions continued in the city, arranged in the form of spectacles: Christians were crucified on crosses, burned alive in the imperial gardens, using them as “night lighting”, dressed in the skins of wild animals and given to be torn to pieces by dogs (the latter was applied to them back in beginning of the 4th century, under the emperor Diocletian).

Ad Calendas (Kalendas) Graecas-to Greek calends; in Greek kalends (never)

[ad calendas grekas] Kalendas (hence the word "calendar") the Romans called the first day of the month (September 1 - September Kalends, etc.). The Greeks did not have calends, so the expression is used when talking about something that will never happen, or expressing doubt that an event will ever happen. Compare: “after the rain on Thursday”, “when the cancer whistles”, “put it under the cloth”, “put it on the back burner”; “like a Turk to cross” (Ukrainian), “on a Turkish Great Day”. According to the calends, the Romans paid their debts, and the emperor Augustus, according to Suetonius ("Divine August", 87), often spoke of insolvent debtors that they would return the money to the Greek calends.

Adsum, qui feci. - I did it.

[adsum, qui fati] The speaker points to himself as the true culprit of what happened. Virgil (“Aeneid”, IX, 427) describes an episode of the war between the Trojan Aeneas who arrived in Italy and the king of the Rutuli Turnn, the first groom of the king’s daughter Latina, now promised as Aeneas’s wife (this is his tribe, the Latins, gave the name to the Latin language). Friends Nis and Euryal, warriors from the camp of Aeneas, went on reconnaissance and shortly before dawn came across a detachment of rutuli. Euryalus was captured, and Nis, invisible to the enemies, hit them with spears in order to free him. But when he saw the sword raised above Euryal, Nis jumped out of his hiding place, trying to save his friend: “Here I am, guilty of everything! Point your weapon at me!" (translated by S. Osherov). He defeated the murderer of Euryalus and himself fell at the hands of enemies.

Alea jacta est. - The die is cast.

[alea yakta est] In other words, a responsible decision has been made and there is no turning back. January 10, 49 BC Julius Caesar, having learned that the Senate, concerned about his victories and growing popularity, ordered him, the governor of Near Gaul, to disband the army, decided to illegally invade Italy along with his legions. Thus, a civil war began in the Roman Republic, as a result of which Caesar actually became the sole ruler. Crossing the Rubicon River, which separated Gaul from northern Italy, he, according to Suetonius ("Divine Julius", 32), after long deliberation over the irreversible consequences of his decision, uttered the phrase "Let the lot be cast."

aliud stans, aliud sedens - one [says] standing, the other sitting

[aliud stans, aliud sedans] Compare: “seven Fridays in a week”, “keep your nose in the wind”. This is how the historian Sallust (“Invective against Mark Tullius Cicero”, 4, 7) described the inconstancy of the convictions of this speaker and politician. "Invective" reflected the real situation of 54 BC. Cicero, sent into exile in 58 for the execution of supporters of the conspirator Catiline, representatives of noble Roman families, returned to Rome with the consent of Caesar and with the help of Pompey, was forced to cooperate with them and defend their supporters in court, in the past his enemies, for example, Aulus Gabinius, consul of 58, involved in his removal into exile.

Amantes amentes.-Lovers-crazy.

[amantes amentes] Compare: “Love is not a prison, but it drives you crazy”, “Lovers are like crazy”. The title of a comedy by Gabriel Rollenhagen (Germany, Magdeburg, 1614) based on the game of close-sounding words (paronyms).

Amici, diem perdidi. - Friends, I lost a day.

[amitsi, diem purdidi] It's usually used to talk about wasted time. According to Suetonius (“Divine Titus”, 8), these words were spoken by the emperor Titus (who was distinguished by rare kindness and usually did not let the petitioner go without encouraging), remembering one day at dinner that he had not done a single good deed all day.

Amicus cognoscitur amore, more, ore, re. - A friend is known by love, by disposition, by speech and deed.

[amicus cognoscitur amore, more, ore, re]

Amicus verus - rara avis. - A true friend is a rare bird.

[amikus verus - papa avis] Compare with Phaedrus (“Fables”, III, 9.1): “There are many friends; friendship is only rare” (translated by M. Gasparov). In this fable, Socrates, when asked why he built a small house for himself, replies that for true friends this is great. Separately, the expression “eider avis” (“a rare bird”, i.e. a great rarity) is known, it appears in Juvenal (“Satires”, VI, 169), and is also found in the “Satires” of Persia (I, 46).

Amor audit inertes. - Cupid does not tolerate sloths.

[amor odit inertes] Speaking like this, Ovid (“The Science of Love”, II, 230) advises to hurry to every call of your beloved, to fulfill all her requests.

arbiter elegantiae - arbiter of grace; tastemaker

[arbiter elegance] This position, according to Tacitus ("Annals", XVI, 18), was held at the court of the Roman emperor Nero by the satirist writer Petronius, nicknamed the Arbiter, the author of the novel "Satyricon", denouncing the manners of the early Empire. This man was distinguished by refined taste, and Nero did not find anything exquisite until Petronius considered it so.

Arbor mala, mala mala. - Bad tree - bad fruit.

[arbor is small, small is small] Compare: “Do not expect a good tribe from a bad seed”, “An apple does not fall far from an apple tree”, “Every good tree bears good fruit, and a bad tree bears bad fruit” (Sermon on the Mount: Gospel of Matthew 7:17).

Argumenta ponderantur, non numerantur. Evidence is weighed, not counted.

[arguments ponderantur, non numerantur] Compare: “Numerantur sententiae, non ponderantur” [numerantur sententie, non ponderantur] (“Votes are counted, not weighed”).

Audiatur et altera pars. Let the other side be heard as well.

[avdiatur et altera pars] ​​An ancient legal principle calling for objectivity when considering issues and litigation, judging objects and people.

Aurora Musis amica. - Aurora is a friend of the Muses.

[Aurora Musis Amika] Aurora is the goddess of the dawn, the Muses are the patrons of poetry, arts and sciences. The expression means that the morning hours are most favorable for creativity, mental work. Compare: “Morning is wiser than evening”, “Think in the evening, do in the morning”, “Who gets up early, God gives him”.

Aut bibat, aut abeat. Either drink or leave.

[out bibat, out abeat] Citing this Greek drinking proverb, Cicero (“Tusculan Conversations”, V, 41, 118) calls either to endure the blows of fate, or to die.

Aut Caesar, aut nihil. - Or Caesar, or nothing.

[out tsezar, out nihil] Compare: “Either the chest in crosses, or the head in the bushes”, “Abo pan, or missing” (Ukrainian). The motto of Cardinal Cesare Borgia, who tried to con. 15th century to unite fragmented Italy under his rule. Suetonius (“Gaius Caligula”, 37) attributed similar words to the wasteful emperor Caligula: he bathed in fragrant oils, drank wine with pearls dissolved in it.

Aut cum scuto, aut in scuto. - Or with a shield, or on a shield. (With a shield or on a shield.)

[out kum skuto, out in skuto] In other words, come back a winner or die a hero (the fallen were brought on the shield). The famous words of a Spartan woman who accompanied her son to war. Free citizens of Sparta were forbidden to engage in anything other than military affairs. They were constantly at war (after all, they were far outnumbered by state slaves - helots), they lived only in war and the thirst for victory, it was for this that Spartan mothers gave birth to their children. There is a story about a Spartan woman who sent five sons into battle and waited for news at the gate. Upon learning that all her sons were killed, but the Spartans won, the mother said: "Then I'm happy that they died."

Ave, Caesar, morituri te salutant. - Hello, Caesar, those who are about to die greet you.

[ave, caesar, morituri te salutant] So the gladiators, appearing in the arena, where they fought with wild animals or among themselves, greeted the emperor who was in the amphitheater (caesar here is not his own name, but a title). According to Suetonius (“Divine Claudius”, 21), the soldiers shouted this phrase to the emperor Claudius, who loved to organize spectacles for the crowd and, before the descent of the Futsin Lake, staged a naval battle there. The expression can be used before an exciting test (for example, greeting a teacher at an exam), a speech, or an important, frightening conversation (for example, with a boss, director).

Barba crescit, caput nescit. - The beard is growing, but the head does not know.

[barba krescit, kaput nestsit] Compare: “A beard is the size of an elbow, but a mind is the size of a fingernail”, “It’s thick on the head, but empty in the head.”

Bene dignoscitur, bene curatur. - Well recognized - well treated (about the disease).

[bene dignocitur, bene curatur]

Bis dat, qui cito dat. - Doubly gives the one who gives quickly (that is, the one who helps immediately).

[bis dates, quick dates] Compare: “The road is a spoon for dinner”, “The road is alms in times of poverty”. It is based on the maxim of Publilius Syrah (No. 321).

Calcat jacentem vulgus. - The people trample the recumbent (weak).

[calcat yatsentem vulgus] Emperor Nero in the tragedy Octavia attributed to Seneca (II, 455), saying this, means that the people must be kept in fear.

carpe diem. - Seize the day.

[karpe diem (karpe diem)] Horace's call (“Odes”, I, 11, 7-8) to live today, not missing its joys and opportunities, not postponing a full-blooded life for a foggy future, to use the moment, an opportunity. Compare: “Seize the moment”, “You can’t return lost time with a horse”, “You’re late for an hour - you won’t return a year”, “Drink, live while you are alive.”

Carum quod rarum. - Expensive is what is rare.

[karum quod rarum]

Casta(e)st, quam nemo rogavit. - She is chaste, whom no one coveted.

[castaste (caste est), kvam nemo roavit] In Ovid (“Love Elegies”, I, 8, 43), these are the words of an old bawd addressed to girls.

Castis omnia casta. - For the immaculate, everything is immaculate.

[kastis omnia kasta] This phrase is usually used as an excuse for their unseemly deeds, vicious inclinations.

Cave ne cadas. - Be careful not to fall.

[kave ne kadas] In other words, put aside your pride and remember that you are only human. These words were addressed to the victorious commander by a slave standing behind him. Triumph (a celebration in honor of Jupiter) was timed to coincide with the return of the commander after a major victory. The procession was opened by senators and magistrates (officials), they were followed by trumpeters, then they carried trophies, they led white bulls for sacrifice and the most important captives in chains. The victor himself, with a laurel branch in his hand, rode behind on a chariot drawn by four white horses. Depicting the father of the gods, he put on clothes taken from the temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill, and painted his face red, as in the ancient images of the god.

Ceterum censeo. - In addition, I believe [that Carthage must be destroyed].

[tseterum tsenseo kartaginem delendam essay] So, according to Plutarch (“Mark Cato”, 27) and Pliny the Elder (“Natural History”, XV, 20), Cato the Elder, a participant in the Battle of Cannae (216 to AD), where Hannibal inflicted a crushing defeat on the Romans. The venerable senator recalled that even after the victorious end of the Second Punic War (201 BC), one should be wary of a weakened enemy. After all, a new Hannibal may come from Carthage. The words of Cato (the first two are usually quoted) still symbolize the stubbornly defended point of view, the decision to insist on one's own at all costs.

Citius, altius, fortius! - Faster, higher, stronger!

[citius, altius, fortius!] The motto of the Olympic Games. Written on Olympic medals and on the walls of many sports halls, sports palaces. Adopted in 1913 by the International Olympic Committee. The games were named after Olympia, a town in southern Greece, where the temple of Olympian Zeus was located and the place for competitions dedicated to Zeus. They have been carried out since 776 BC. once every 4 years, during the summer solstice. A truce was declared throughout Greece for these 5 days. The winners were awarded with olive wreaths and revered as favorites of Zeus. Abolished games in 394 AD Roman emperor Theodosius. They have been held as world sports competitions since 1886.

Civis Romanus sum! - I'm a Roman citizen!

[civis romanus sum!] This is how a person who occupies a privileged position, who has benefits, or a citizen of a state that plays an important role in world politics, can say about himself. This formula declared the full rights of the citizen and guaranteed him immunity outside of Rome: even the last beggar could not be enslaved, subjected to corporal punishment or execution. Thus, Roman citizenship saved the Apostle Paul from scourging in Jerusalem (Acts of the Apostles, 22:25-29). The expression is found in Cicero in speeches against Verres (V, 52), the Roman governor in Sicily (73-71 BC), who robbed merchant ships and killed their owners (Roman citizens) in quarries.

Cogito, ergo sum. I think, therefore I am.

[kogito, ergo sum] French philosopher 17th century Rene Descartes ("Principles of Philosophy", I, 7) considered this position the basis of a new philosophy: everything should be doubted, except for the obviousness of the self-consciousness of a doubting person. Can be quoted with a replacement of the first word, for example: "I love, therefore I am."

Consuetude altera natura. - Habit is second nature.

[konsvetudo est altera nature] The basis is the words of Cicero (“On the boundaries of good and evil”, V, 25, 74). Compare: “What is hunting from a young age, is captivity in old age.”

Contrafactum non est argumentum. - There is no proof against the fact.

[contra factum non est argumentum]

Credo, quia absurdum. - I believe because [it's] ridiculous.

[credo, quia absurdum est] About blind, unreasoning faith or an initially uncritical attitude towards something. The basis is the words of a Christian writer of the II-III centuries. Tertullian, who affirmed the truth of the postulates of Christianity (such as the death and resurrection of the Son of God) precisely because of their incompatibility with the laws of the human mind (“On the Body of Christ”, 5): he considered that all this was too absurd to be fiction.

cunctando restituit rem - saved the situation by delay (case)

[kunktando restituit rem] So the Roman poet Ennius (Annals, 360) speaks of the commander Fabius Maximus. In the spring of 217 BC, after the death of the Roman army in the battle with Hannibal in the gorge near Lake Trasimene, the Senate appointed him dictator, thus granting unlimited powers for a period of six months. Knowing that the strong cavalry of the Carthaginians had an advantage in open areas, Fabius followed Hannibal along the hills, evading the battle and preventing him from plundering the surrounding lands. Many considered the dictator a coward, but for this tactic he was given the honorary nickname Fabius Cunctator (Slower). And the policy of cautious movement towards the goal can be called Fabianism.

currit rota. - The wheel is spinning.

[currit rota] About the wheel of Fortune - the Roman goddess of fate and good luck. She was depicted on a spinning ball or wheel - a symbol of the variability of happiness.

de asini umbra - about the shadow of a donkey (about trifles)

[de azini umbra] According to Pseudo-Plutarch (The Life of Ten Speakers, Demosthenes, 848 a), Demosthenes was once not listened to in the Athenian national assembly, and he, asking for attention, told how the driver and the young man who hired the donkey , argued which of them in the heat to hide in his shadow. The listeners demanded to continue, and Demosthenes said: “It turns out that you are ready to listen about the shadow of a donkey, but not about serious matters.”

De mortuis aut bene, aut nihil. - About the dead or good, or nothing.

[de mortuis out bene, out nihil] Seven more Greek sages (6th century BC) forbade slandering the dead, for example, Chilo from Sparta (as Diogenes Laertes writes: “Life, opinions and teachings of famous philosophers”, I , 3, 70) and the Athenian legislator Solon (Plutarch, Solon, 21).

deus ex machina - god from the car (unexpected denouement; surprise)

[deus ex machina] Theatrical technique of an ancient tragedy: at the end, an actor was suddenly lowered onto the stage in the form of a deity who resolved all conflicts. So they say that it contradicts the logic of what is happening. Compare: "as fell from the sky."

Dictum factum. - No sooner said than done; straightaway.

[dictum factum] Compare: "What is said is connected." The expression is found in Terentius in the comedies "Girl from Andros" (II, 3, 381) and "Self-torturer" (V, 1, 904).

Disc Gaudere. - Learn to be happy.

[distse gavdere] This is how Seneca advises Lucilia (“Moral Letters”, 13, 3), understanding true joy not as a feeling that comes from outside, but a feeling that constantly resides in a person’s soul.

Dives est, qui sapiens est. - Rich, who is wise.

[dives est, qui sapiens est]

Divide et impera. - Divide and rule.

[divide et impera] The principle of imperialist policy is to set the provinces (social classes, religious denominations) against each other and use this enmity in the interests of strengthening their power. Compare with the saying "Divide ut regnes" [divide ut regnes] ("Divide to rule"), attributed to the French king Louis XI (1423-1483) or the Italian political thinker Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527), who believed that only a strong state power is able to overcome the political fragmentation of Italy. Since he allowed any means to strengthen such power, Machiavellianism is called a policy that violates the norms of morality.

Dout des. - I give you to give.

[do ut des] The Romans have a conditional name for agreements already executed by one side. Otto Bismarck, Chancellor of the German Empire from 1871-1890, called do ut des the basis of all political negotiations.

docendo discimus. - By teaching, we learn.

[dotsendo discimus] Compare: "Teach others - and you will understand." It is based on the words of Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 7, 8): “Spend time only with those who make you better, admit only those whom you yourself can make better. Both are mutually accomplished, people learn by teaching”

domi sedet, lanam ducit - sits at home, spinning wool

[domi sadet, lanam ducit] The best praise for a Roman matron (mother of the family, mistress of the house). Unlike the reclusive wives in Greece, the Roman women went with their husbands to visit, attended home feasts. On the street, men made way for them, and eulogies were given at their funerals. At home, their duty was only to make a woolen toga (a garment that served as a symbol of Roman citizenship) for their husband.

Domus propria - domus optima. - Own house - the best. (Being a guest is good, but being at home is better.)

[domus propria - domus optima]

Dum spiro, spero. - While I breathe I hope.

[dum spiro, spero] A similar idea was found by many ancient authors. "Dum spiro, spero" is the state motto of South Carolina. There is also the expression “Contra spent spero” [contra spam spero] (“I am without hope” (Ukrainian), or “I hope in spite of hope”) - this is the name of a famous poem by Lesya Ukrainka. Written at the age of 19, it is imbued with a strong will, the intention to live and enjoy your spring, overcoming a serious illness (from the age of 12, the poetess suffered from tuberculosis).

Dura lex, sed lex. - The law is harsh, but [it is] the law.

[stupid lex, sad lex]

Esce Homo. - Se Man.

[ektse homo] In the Gospel of John (19, 5) these words are spoken by Pontius Pilate, presenting to the Jews who demanded the execution of Jesus, the Man they demanded. Therefore, "Esce Homo" is called the image of Christ in the crown of thorns, with drops of blood on his forehead from his needles. Such a picture is, for example, in the Italian painter of the early 17th century. Guido Reni (1575-1642). In a figurative sense, the expression is sometimes used as a synonym for the famous “I am a man, and nothing human is alien to me” (see “Homo sum ...”) or in the meaning “This is a real person”, “Here is a man with a capital letter”. A paraphrased version of “Esse femina” [ektse femina] is also known - “Se woman” (“Here is a real woman”).

Ede, bibe, lude. - Eat, drink, be merry.

[ede, bibe, lude] It is based on the parable of the rich man told by Jesus (Gospel of Luke, 12, 19). He was just about to lead a carefree life (eat, drink and be merry), when the Lord took his soul. Compare with the old inscription on table utensils: “Eat, drink, there will be no joy after death” (from a student song).

Epistula non erubescit. - The paper does not turn red.

[epistula non erubescit] Compare: “Paper will endure everything”, “The tongue becomes stagnant, but the pen is not shy.” Cicero (“Letters to loved ones”, V, 12, 1), asking the historian Lucius Lucceus to glorify his merits in his books, says that he was ashamed to say so at meetings.

Errare humanum est. - Humans tend to make mistakes.

[errare humanum est] The expression is found in the orator Seneca the Elder (“Controversion”, IV, 3). In Cicero (Philippi, XII, 2, 5) we find a continuation of this thought: "Only a fool is peculiar to persist in a mistake." Compare: “Stubbornness is the dignity of donkeys”, “He is more mistaken who does not repent of his mistakes.”

est modus in rebus. - There is a measure in things.

[est modus in rebus (est modus in rebus)] Compare: “Everything is good in moderation”, “A little of a good thing”, “Ne quid nimis” [ne quid nimis] (“Nothing too much”). The expression is found in Horace ("Satires", I, 1, 106).

Et ego in Arcadia. - And I [lived] in Arcadia

[et ego in arcadia] In other words, I had happy days too. Arcadia is a mountainous region in the center of the Peloponnese peninsula in southern Greece. In Theocritus' Idylls, Virgil's Bucolics, this is an idealized country where shepherds and their lovers lead an unpretentious, serene life in the bosom of nature (hence the "Arcadian shepherds"). The expression "Et in Arcadia ego" has been known since the 16th century. This is the inscription under the skull, which is considered by two shepherds in the picture. Italian artist Bartolomeo Skidane. His fellow countryman Francesco Guercino (XVII century) has this epitaph on the grave of a shepherd (the painting “The Arcadian Shepherds”, better known from two copies of the French artist Nicolas Poussin, 1630s).

Et tu, Brute! - And you Brute!

[this one, brute!] According to legend, these are the dying words of Julius Caesar, who saw among the murderers Mark Junius Brutus, whom he treated like a son. The historian Suetonius ("Divine Julius", 82, 2) does not confirm the fact of uttering these words. Caesar was killed at a meeting of the Senate on March 15, 44 BC, inflicting 23 blows on him with daggers. It is interesting that almost all the murderers (who feared the strengthening of his autocracy) then lived no more than three years (Suetonius, 89). Brutus committed suicide in 42, after being defeated by the troops of Octavian (Augustus), Caesar's successor. Descendants glorified Brutus as a tyrannicide, but Dante in the Divine Comedy placed him in the last, 9th circle of Hell, next to Judas, who betrayed Christ.

Ex nihilo nihil. - From nothing - nothing.

[ex nihilo nihil] This idea appears in Lucretius's poem "On the Nature of Things" (1,155-156), which outlines the teachings of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who argued that all phenomena are due to physical causes, sometimes unknown to us, and not the will of the gods.

Ex oriente lux. - Light from the East.

[ex oriente lux] Usually about innovations, discoveries, trends that came from the east. The expression arose under the influence of the story of the Magi (wise men) from the East, who came to Jerusalem to bow to the born Jesus, seeing His star in the East (Gospel of Matthew, 2, 1-2).

Ex ungue leonem, . - By the claw [they recognize] a lion, [by the ears - a donkey].

[ex ungwe lebnam, ex avibus azinum] About the opportunity to learn and appreciate the whole from the part. Compare: “You can see a bird in flight”, “A donkey by the ears, a bear by its claws, a fool by speeches.” It is found in Lucian (“Hermotimus, or On the Choice of Philosophy”, 54), who says that one can judge a philosophical doctrine without knowing it thoroughly: so the Athenian sculptor Phidias (5th century BC), seeing only a claw, calculated from it what the whole lion should be.

Excelsior - All above; loftier

[excelsior] The motto of New York. It is used as a creative credo, the principle of comprehending something.

Exegi monumentum. - I erected a monument.

[ekzegi monumentum] This is how a person can say about the fruits of his own labor, which must survive it. This is the beginning of Horace's ode (III, 30), which later became known as the "Monument" (poems also began to be called, where the author, usually taking the composition of Horace's ode and its first line as a basis, speaks of his merits to poetry, which should be preserved in memory of descendants and immortalize his name). From the same ode - the expression "Non omnis moriar" (see below). In Russian literature, Horace's "Monument" was translated and re-sung by Lomonosov, Derzhavin, Fet, Bryusov and, of course, Pushkin ("I erected a monument to myself not made by hands"; the epigraph to this poem is the words "Exegi monumentum").

Fabricando fabricamur. - By creating, we create ourselves.

[fabrando fabricamur]

factum est factum. - What is done is done.

[factum est factum] Compare: “You can’t fix things with hindsight”, “After a fight, they don’t wave their fists.”

Fama volat. - Rumor flies.

[fama volat] Compare: “The earth is full of rumors”, “Rumors fly like flies.” The fact that rumor is also gaining strength on the go (that is, “If you say a word, ten will be added”), says Virgil (“Aeneid”, IV, 175).

Feci quod potui, faciant meliora potentes. - I did [everything] that I could; let those who can (feel the strength in themselves) do better.

[faci quod potui, faciant melior potentes] So they say, summing up their achievements or presenting their work to someone else's court, for example, finishing a speech at the defense of a diploma. The verse arose on the basis of the formula with which the consuls completed their report, transferring authority to successors. After expelling King Tarquinius the Proud (510/509 BC), the Romans elected two consuls each year and designated the year by their names. Thus, the conspiracy of Catalina (see "On the temporal of mores!") Was revealed to the consulate of Cicero and Antony. From the era of Augustus (in power from 27 BC to 14 AD), the years were counted ab urbe condita [ab urbe condita] (from the founding of Rome, i.e. from 754/753 to AD).

Festina lente. - Hurry slowly.

[fastina lente] Compare: “You go quieter - you will continue”, “Hurry up - you will make people laugh.” This proverb (in Greek), according to Suetonius ("Divine Augustus", 25, 4), was repeated by Emperor Augustus, saying that haste and recklessness are dangerous for a commander.

Fiat lux. - Let there be light.

[fiat lux] From the description of the Creation of the world (Genesis, 1, 3): “And God said: Let there be light. And there was light. This is how they talk about grandiose discoveries (for example, this is an inscription on the portraits of the inventor of printing, Johannes Gutenberg, mid-15th century) or calling to expel gloomy thoughts from the heart.

Fide, sedcui, vide. - Trust, but watch who. (Trust but check.)

[fide, sad kui, vide]

Finis coronat opus. - The end is the crown of business. (All is well that ends well.)

[finis coronat opus]

Fit via vi. - The road is built by force.

[fit via vi] Virgil ("Aeneid", II, 494) tells how the Greeks break into the palace of the Trojan king Priam. These words are quoted by Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 37, 3), saying that the inevitable cannot be avoided, but it must be fought.

Folio sum similis. - I am like a leaf.

[folio sum similis] About the brevity of life, its dependence on the game of fate (comparison of people with leaves was found in ancient poetry). Source - "Confession" of the Archipee of Cologne, a poet of the XII century.

Fortes fortuna juvat. - Fate helps the brave.

[fortes fortune yuvat] Compare: "The courage of the city takes." It is found, for example, in the story of Pliny the Younger (“Letters”, VI, 16, 11) about the death of his uncle, the scientist Pliny the Elder, during the eruption of Vesuvius (79 AD). Having equipped the ships (wishing to help people and study an unusual phenomenon), he encouraged the helmsman with this phrase.

Fortuna vitrea est. - Glass fate.

[fortuna vitrea est] Publilius Syra's maxim (No. 236): "Fate is glass: when it shines, it breaks."

Gaudeamus igitur, - Let's have fun [while we are young]!

[gaudeamus igitur, yuvenes dum sumus!] The beginning of a medieval student anthem, performed at initiation into students.

Gutta cavat lapidem. - A drop hollows out a stone.

[gutta kavat lapidem] About someone's patience, a firm and steady desire to achieve one's own. The words of Ovid ("Letters from Pontus", IV, 10, 5).

Habent sua fata libelli. - Books have their own destiny.

1286th verse from a poem by a Roman grammarian of the 1st-2nd centuries. AD Terentian Maurus "On letters, syllables and sizes": "Depending on the perception of the reader, books have their own destiny."

Hannibal ad portas. - Hannibal at the gate.

As an indication of imminent danger, it was first used by Cicero (Philippi, I, 5.11). Appears in Titus Livius ("History of Rome from the founding of the City", XXIII, 16). It is also customary to associate these words with the events of 211 BC, when the army of Hannibal, having stood for several days a mile from Rome, moved away from the city.

Hic Rhodus, hic salta. - Rhodes is here, jump here.

In other words, do not brag, but prove here and now what you are capable of. Compare: "We heard the speeches, but we do not see the deeds." From Aesop's fable "The Boastful Pentathlete" (No. 33), where the unsuccessful athlete, returning to his homeland, boasted of his extraordinary jump on the distant island of Rhodes - the very one where the Colossus of Rhodes stood in ancient times (35-meter statue of the sun god Helios, one of seven wonders of the world). Calling all the Rhodians as witnesses, he heard in response from fellow citizens: “If this is true, then why do you need witnesses? Imagine that Rhodes is here, jump here!” The expression can also be understood as follows: “Here is the most important thing; This is what needs to be worked on."

Historia est magistra vitae. - History is the teacher of life.

From Cicero's treatise "On the Orator" (II, 9, 36): "History is the witness of times, the light of truth, the life of memory, the teacher of life, the messenger of antiquity." A call to learn from the past and look for examples worthy of imitation in history. Often paraphrased ("Philosophy is the teacher of life").

Hoc erat in votis. - That's what I dreamed of

Horace ("Satires", II, 6.1) about the estate presented to him by Maecenas, a friend of Emperor Augustus (and then Horace himself), in the Sabine Mountains, northeast of Rome.

Hominem quaero. - I'm looking for a man.

According to Diogenes Laertes (“Life, Opinions and Teachings of Famous Philosophers”, VI, 2, 41), this is how the Greek philosopher Diogenes answered - the one who lived in a barrel and was glad that there were so many things in the world that one could do without , - to the question why he walks the streets with a lantern in broad daylight. "And didn't find it?" they asked him. - "I found good children in Sparta, good husbands - nowhere." In the fable of Phaedrus (III, 19) is described similar case from the life of the Greek fabulist Aesop. Taking a fire from his neighbors, with a lit lamp in his hand, he hurried home to the owner (since he was a slave) and answered the question of a passerby in this way, apparently not considering him a man because he sticks to busy people.

Homo est animal sociale. - Man is a social animal (being).

Source - "Nicomachean Ethics" (1097 b, 11) of Aristotle. Popularized by The Persian Letters (No. 87) by the French thinker Charles Montesquieu (1721).

Homo homini lupus est. - Man is a wolf to man.

In other words, everyone is selfish by nature and strives to satisfy their desires, which naturally leads to conflicts with other people. With these words, in the comedy of Plautus "Donkeys" (II, 4, 495), the merchant motivates his refusal to transfer money for the owner through his servant, who assures him of his honesty.

Homosum: . - I am a man [and I believe that nothing human is alien to me].

The expression means: 1) that the speaker, like everyone else, is not alien to human weaknesses and delusions, is subject to ordinary ailments; 2) that he is not at all indifferent to the misfortunes and joys of others, he is interested in life in all its manifestations, he is able to understand, respond, sympathize; 3) that he is a man of broad interests. In Terence's comedy The Self-Torturer (I, 77), old Khremet asks why his elderly neighbor works all day in the field, and, having heard the answer: “Do you really have so much free time from your own affairs that you interfere in other people's?” - substantiates his curiosity with this phrase.

Honores mutant mores. - Honors change morals. (Character changes with fate.)

This, according to Plutarch ("Life of Sulla", 30), confirms the biography of the Roman commander Lucius Cornelius Sulla. In his youth, he was gentle and compassionate, and when he came to power (in November 82 BC, after the end of the civil war between him and the commander Gaius Marius, Sulla was proclaimed a dictator for an unlimited period to restore order in the state), he showed an indomitable cruelty. The dictatorship began with terror (lat. terror - fear), that is, with mass lawless murders. Proscriptions were put up in crowded places - lists with the names of Mary's supporters who were outlawed (they could be killed with impunity).

Ibi victoria, ubi concordia. - There is victory, where there is unity.

[ibi victoria, kill concardia] From the maxim of Publilius Syrah (No. 281).

Ignorantia non est argumentum. - Ignorance is not an argument. (Ignorance is not an argument.)

[ignorantzia non est argumentum] From Spinoza's treatise "Ethics" (part 1, Appendix). Compare: "Ignorance of the law does not exempt from responsibility."

Ignoti nulla cupido. - There is no attraction to the unknown. (You can't wish for the unknown.)

[ignoti nullla cupido] Therefore, Ovid (“Science of Love”, III, 397) advises beauties to be in crowded places.

Imperare sibi maximum imperium est. - Owning yourself is the highest power.

[emperare sibi maximum imperium est] The expression is found in Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 113, 30). We find a similar idea in Cicero (“Tusculan Conversations”, II, 22, 53): he talks about the Roman commander Gaius Maria, who, when he needed to cut his leg, for the first time ordered not to tie himself to the board, which later many began to do according to him. example.

in actu mori - to die in the midst of activity (while on duty)

[in act mori] Found in Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 8, 1).

in aqua scribis - you write on water

[in aqua scribis] About empty promises, vague plans, vain work (compare: “it is written with a pitchfork on the water”, “grandmother said in two”, “to build sand castles”). The Roman poet Catullus (70, 3-4) uses the expression "in aqua scribere" [in aqua scribere] ("write on water"), speaking of the frivolity of women's oaths: "What a passionate girlfriend says to a lover, // you need to write in the wind or on fast water ”(translated by S. Shervinsky).

In dubio pro reo. - In case of doubt - in favor of the accused. (If the votes are equal, the defendant is acquitted.)

[in dubio about reo]

In hoc signo vinces. - Under this banner you will win (Staroslav. You will win with this.)

[in hok signo vintses] In 305 AD. Emperor Diocletian left the throne and retired to the city of Salona, ​​cultivating flowers and vegetables. In the Empire, a fierce struggle for power began between his co-rulers. The winner was the son of one of them, Constantine, later nicknamed the Great. According to church tradition (Eusebius, “Life of Constantine”, I, 28), on the eve of the decisive battle (312), he saw a luminous crucifix in the sky with the Greek inscription “ With this banner you will win”, after which he ordered to depict a cross on the banner and shields of soldiers ( many of whom were secret Christians) and, despite the numerical superiority of the enemy, won.

In maxima potentia minima licentia. - In the greatest power - the least freedom (for the subject).

[in maxim potency minimum license]

In vino veritas. - The truth is in wine. (Wine is true.)

[in wine varitas] Compare: "What a sober man has on his mind, a drunkard has on his tongue." In the Middle Ages, the expression “In vino veritas, in aqua sanitas” [in wine veritas, in aqua sanitas] (“In wine is truth, in water is health”) appeared. A similar idea was found in Pliny the Elder ("Natural History", XIV, 28), Horace ("Epodes", 11, 13-14). Usually the expression "In vino veritas" is used as an invitation to drink or a toast.

Inde irae et lacrimae. Hence the anger and tears. (This is what causes anger and tears.)

[inde ire et lacrime] Juvenal (“Satires”, I, 168) speaks of the smashing scourge of satire, i.e. about the effect that she has on those who see in her a caricature of their own vices and therefore are so desperately indignant when they hear, for example, the lines of Lucilius (a Roman satirist poet of the 2nd century BC). Compare with Terentius in the comedy "The Girl from Andros" (1,1, 126): "Hinc illae lacrimae" - "That's where these tears come from" ("That's the point"). This is how the father of the young man exclaimed when he saw her pretty sister at the funeral of a neighbor Chrysis: he immediately understood why his son Pamphilus mourned Chrysis so much - it would seem, a completely alien person to him.

Inter arma silent Musae. - Among the weapons (when the weapon rattles) the muses are silent.

[inter arma silent muse] That war is not the best time for the arts and sciences. It is no coincidence that the peak of creativity of such famous Roman authors as the poets Virgil, Horace, Ovid, the historian Titus of Livy, whose language is called golden Latin, fell on the reign of Emperor Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) when, after civil wars, relative calm reigned within the empire. The expression is based on the words of Cicero: “Inter arma silent leges” [leges] (“Among weapons, laws are silent”). So the speaker justifies the man who killed in a fight, of which he was not the instigator, his political opponent (“Speech in defense of Titus Annius Milon”, IV, 10).

Interpares amicitia. Friendship is between equals.

[inter pares amiticia] Compare: “A well-fed is not a comrade to the hungry”, “Know the horse with the horse, but with the ox” (Ukrainian).

Inter utrumque vola. - Fly in the middle.

[inter utrumkve ox (inter utrumkve ox)] Advice to stick to the golden mean. So in Ovid's poems "The Science of Love" (II, 63) and "Metamorphoses" (VII, 206), Daedalus, having made wings for himself and his son Icarus from bird feathers fastened with wax (in order to leave the island of Crete, where they were forcibly held by King Minos), explains a young man that it is dangerous to fly too close to the sun (it will melt the wax) or to the water (the wings will get wet and heavy).

inutile terrae pondus - the useless burden of the earth

[inutile terre pondus] About something (about someone) useless, not fulfilling its purpose, non-functional. It is based on Homer's Iliad (XVIII, 104), where Achilles, the strongest of the Greeks who fought near Troy, calls himself so. Angry at King Agamemnon, the leader of the Greek army, who took away his beloved captive Briseis, the hero refused to fight, thereby becoming an indirect cause of the death of many of his comrades and best friend - Patroclus (he, in order to frighten the Trojans, went to the battlefield in the armor of Achilles and was slain by Hector, son of the Trojan king Priam). Mourning a friend, the hero bitterly regrets that he could not curb his anger.

Jucundi acti labores. - Finished works (difficulties) are pleasant.

[yukundi act labores] In other words, it is pleasant to realize the finished work, the difficulties overcome (Latin labores - torments, difficulties, labors). Compare with Pushkin (“If life deceives you ...”): “What passes will be nice.” The proverb is quoted by Cicero (“On the Limits of Good and Evil”, II, 32, 105), disagreeing with the Greek philosopher Epicurus that the sage should remember only the good, and forget the bad: after all, sometimes it is gratifying to remember past adversity. A similar thought was also found in Homer (“Odyssey”, XV, 400-401): “The husband willingly remembers past troubles // who has experienced them a lot and wandered around in the world for a long time” (translated by V. Zhukovsky).

Justitia fundamentum regnorum. - Justice is the basis of states.

[justitia fundamantum ragnorum]

Labor omnia vincit. - Labor conquers everything.

[laboratory omnia vincite] Compare: "Patience and work will grind everything." The expression "Hard work conquered everything" is found in Virgil ("Georgics", I, 145). He says that Jupiter deliberately hid many benefits from people (for example, fire) and did not teach useful skills so that they themselves, prompted by need and difficult conditions of existence, through reflection and experience, could comprehend the world around them and improve their lives. "Labor omnia vincit" is the motto of the US state of Oklahoma.

lassata necdum satiata - tired but not satisfied

[lassata nekdum satsiata] Juvenal ("Satires", VI, 129) speaks of Valeria Messalina, the third wife of Emperor Claudius, who, as contemporaries said, often spent nights in brothels and in the morning, "tired of the caress of men, left unsatisfied" (per D. Nedovich and F. Petrovsky), According to Suetonius (“Divine Claudius”, 26, 2-3), the emperor was extremely unlucky with his wives. Having executed Messalina, who entered into a new marriage with witnesses, he vowed not to marry again, but was seduced by his niece Agrippina. Claudius was not lucky this time either: they believe that it was Agrippina who in 54 AD. poisoned him to put her son Nero on the throne.

late anguis in herba. - There is a snake hiding in the grass.

[latet angvis in herba] A call to be on the alert, not to take everything on faith, not to forget about the possibility of a dirty trick. So they say about a hidden, but close danger, insidious, insincere people pretending to be friends. The source of the expression is Virgil's Bucoliki (III, 92-93).

Libri amici, libri magistri. - Books are friends, books are teachers.

[libri amici, libri master] Compare: “A book decorates in happiness, but comforts in misfortune”, “To live with a book - do not grieve for a century”, “Liber est mutus magister” [liber est mutus master] (“The book is a dumb teacher” ).

Lingua dux pedis. - The tongue leads the legs.

[lingua dux padis] Compare: "Language will bring you to Kyiv."

Littera scripta manet. - The written letter remains.

[litera script manet] Compare: “Verba volant, scripta manent” [verba volant, script manent] (“Words fly away, what is written remains”), “What is written with a pen cannot be cut down with an ax.”

Longa est vita, si plena est. - Life is long if it is full.

[longa est vita, si plena est] The expression is found in Seneca (“Moral Letters to Lucilius”, 93, 2).

Longae regum manus. - Kings have long arms.

[longe regum manus] Compare: "The masters have debts," "The royal eye encroaches far away." The source is Ovid's "Heroides" (a collection of messages written on behalf of mythological heroines to their beloved). Helen, the wife of the Spartan king Menelaus, writes in response to the Trojan prince Paris that she fears persecution by her husband (“Heroides”, XVII, 166).

Lupus non mordet lupum. - The wolf does not bite the wolf. (He does not touch his own.)

[lupus non mordet lupum] Compare: “The wolf is not poisoned by the wolf” (that is, you cannot set the wolf on the wolf), “The raven will not peck out the eyes of the crow.”

Madeant pocula Baccho. - Let the cups be filled with Bacchus (wine).

[madeant pokula bakho] The poet Tibull (“Elegies”, III, 6, 5) calls on Bacchus (that is, Dionysus, the god of viticulture and winemaking) to heal him from a love wound.

Magister Dixit. - [So] the teacher said.

[magister dixit] A reference to a recognized authority, often ironic. According to Cicero (“On the Nature of the Gods”, I, 5, 10), the disciples of the Greek philosopher Pythagoras substantiated all their statements in this way. This formula, as a decisive argument, was also used by medieval philosophers, referring to Aristotle.

magni nominis umbra - shadow of a great name

[magni nominis umbra] About those who have only to remember their glorious past, and about descendants who are not worthy of their ancestors. Lucan in the poem "Pharsalia" (I, 135) says this about the Roman general Pompey, who survived his greatness. He had major victories on his account, but in 48 BC, on the eve of the decisive battle with Caesar (near the city of Pharsala in northern Greece), who, having declared war on the Senate (see "Alea jacta est"), took possession of all of Italy , except for the provinces, Pompeii, which had already gained fame in the past and had not fought for a long time, was much inferior to its rival, who lived in hopes for the future. Having fled after the defeat to Egypt, Pompeii was killed there on the orders of King Ptolemy, who apparently wanted to please these Caesars.

Malum exemplum imitation. - A bad example is contagious.

[malum exemplum imitabile]

Manum de tabula! - Hand [away] from the board! (Enough! Enough!)

[manum de tabula!] A call to stop, to put an end to something in a timely manner. As Pliny the Elder writes (“Natural History”, XXXV, 36, 10), it was precisely in the inability to remove his hand from the board with the picture in time, which the further intervention of the painter can only spoil, that the Greek artist Apelles reproached his no less talented contemporary Protogenes. The expression is also found in the novel by Petronius "Satyricon" (LXXVI).

Manus manum lavat. - The hand washes the hand.

[manus manum lavat] Compare: “The hand washes the hand, and the rogue hides the rogue”, “Service for the service”, “You are for me, I am for you.” Of the Roman writers, the expression is found in Petronius (“Satyricon”, XLV) and in the pamphlet attributed to Seneca “The Apotheosis of the Divine Claudius” (9), where the immortals decide whether to recognize the feeble-minded Claudius after death (54 AD) as a god, as other Roman emperors: “The decision was inclined in favor of Claudius, for Hercules [in front of whose temple Claudius, a lover of legal proceedings, judged even in summer], seeing that it was necessary to strike while the iron was hot, began […] to persuade everyone: “Please don’t let me down, me, on occasion I will repay you with anything: the hand washes the hand (translated by F. Petrovsky).

mare verborum, gutta rerum - a sea of ​​words, a drop of deeds

[mare verborum, gutta rerum] Compare: “a lot of noise, but little use”, “we heard speeches, but we don’t see deeds”, “he takes it with his tongue, but does not cling to business”.

Margaritas ante porcos. - [Do not throw] beads in front of pigs.

[margaritas ante porcos] A call not to waste good words on those who are not able to understand and appreciate them, or not to make too learned speeches that are not understood by the majority. Source - Christ's Sermon on the Mount (Gospel of Matthew, 7, 6): "Do not throw your pearls before swine, so that they do not trample it under their feet."

Medica mente, non medicamente. - Treat with the mind (soul), and not with medicine.

[medika mente, non medikamente]

Medice, cura te ipsum! - Doctor, heal yourself!

[medice, kura te ipsum!] A call not to interfere in someone else's business and, before teaching others, pay attention to oneself and one's own shortcomings. The proverb is found in the Gospel of Luke (4, 23), where Jesus, after reading in the synagogue a passage from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah (61, 1: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me; for He […] sent Me to heal the brokenhearted”), says to the listeners: “Of course, you will tell Me a saying: doctor! heal yourself!"

Medicus curat, natura sanat. The doctor heals, nature heals.

[medikus kurat, nature sanat] In other words, although the doctor prescribes the treatment, nature always heals, which supports the vitality of the patient. Therefore, they talk about vis medicatrix naturae [vis medicatrix nature] - the healing (healing) power of nature. The source of the expression is the aphorism of Hippocrates translated into Latin.

Mel in ore, verba lactis, // fel in corde, firaus in factis. - Honey on the tongue, milk in words, bile in the heart, deceit in deeds.

[mel in ore, verba lactis, // fel in corde, fravs in factis] Medieval epigram on the Jesuits.

memento mori. - Memento Mori.

[memento mori] The expression is better known in the "translation" of the heroes of Leonid Gaidai's comedy "Prisoner of the Caucasus": "Instantly at sea." Hence, apparently, the stubborn desire to pronounce "momento more" (in the first case, the test word will be memoria - the memory from which our memorial is). The primary source is the story of Herodotus ("History", II, 78) about the Egyptian custom during the feast to carry around the guests the image of the deceased lying in the coffin. The expression “Memento vivere” [memento vivere] (“Remember life”) is also known - a call to find time for entertainment, not to let grief kill the joy of life in yourself. The poem "Vivere memento!" Ivan Franko has it in the Vesnyanki cycle (XV).

Mens sana in corpore sano.-A healthy mind in a healthy body.

[mens sana in corpore sano] One of the few Latin expressions modern interpretation which is opposite to the meaning originally laid down by the author. Roman poet of the 1st-2nd centuries. AD Juvenal in his "Satires" (X, 356) spoke out against the Romans' excessive enthusiasm for bodily exercises: "You need to pray that the mind be healthy in a healthy body" (translated by D. Nedovich and F. Petrovsky; Latin mens also means "mind", and "spirit", hence the word "mentality"). Today, the words of Juvenal, often written on the walls of medical or sports institutions, call, on the contrary, in caring for the spiritual and sublime, do not forget about your body, your health.

Militat omnis amans.-Every lover is a soldier.

[militat omnis amans] Ovid (“Love Elegies”, I, 9, 1) compares the life of a lover standing on guard of honor at the door of the chosen one and performing her orders with military service.

Misce utility dulci. - Mix the pleasant with the useful.

[misce utility dulci] The basis was the "Science of Poetry" (343), where Horace tells the poet the right way to please all ages: "General approval was achieved by one who combined the useful (what older readers especially appreciate in poetry) with the pleasant."

Miserere - Have mercy

[mizerere] The name of the repentant psalm (No. 50), which was uttered by the king of Israel David, having learned from the prophet Nathan that he had done evil in the eyes of the Lord, taking Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, as his wife, and sending her husband to death (Second Book of Kings, 12 , 9); therefore the son born of Bathsheba will die. Oral Jewish tradition says that this woman was destined for David from the Creation of the world, and since their second son was the wisest King Solomon, the dead first-born could become the Messiah; David's sin was that he took Bathsheba before the appointed time. To the sounds of this psalm, monks and fanatics scourged themselves, so "Miserere" can be jokingly called a good spanking.

Modicus cibi - medicus sibi. - Moderate in food - his own doctor.

[modikus tsibi - medikus sibi] Compare: "Excessive food - illness and trouble", "Eat, don't eat up, don't drink up."

Natura est semper invicta. - Nature is always invincible

[nature est semper invicta] In other words, everything inherent in nature (talents, inclinations, habits) will manifest itself, no matter how hard you try to suppress it. Compare: “Drive nature through the door - it will fly in through the window”, “No matter how you feed the wolf, he keeps looking into the forest.” Horace (“Messages”, I, 10, 24) says: “Drive nature with a pitchfork - it will return anyway” (translated by N. Gunzburg).

Navigare necesse est. - It is necessary to swim, [there is no need to live].

[navigare netsesse est, vivere non est netsesse] According to Plutarch (Comparative Lives, Pompey, 50), these words were spoken by the Roman commander and politician Gnaeus Pompey (see about him in the article “magni nominis umbra”), who was responsible for grain supply, when he was the first to board a ship carrying grain from Sardinia, Sicily and Africa to Rome, and ordered to sail, despite a strong storm. In a figurative sense, they say this about the need to move forward, overcoming difficulties, to dare, to fulfill one's duty (to people, the state, the profession), even if it is associated with a risk to one's life or takes a lot of time that could be spent with great pleasure for oneself .

Naviget, haec summa (e)st. - Let it float (float), that's all.

[naviget, pek summast (pek sum est)] A call to go forward, not to stand still. In Virgil (Aeneid, IV, 237), this is the order of Jupiter, transmitted through Mercury to the Trojan Aeneas, who forgot about his mission in the arms of Queen Dido of Carthage (to reach Italy and lay the foundations of the Roman state, which will become the heir to the burnt Troy).

Ne sus Minervam. - Not a pig [to teach] Minerva. (Don't teach a scientist.)

[ne sus minervam] Found in Cicero ("Academic Conversations", I, 5.18). Minerva - among the Romans the goddess of wisdom, the patroness of crafts and arts, identified with the Greek Athena.

Ne sutor supra crepidam. - Let the shoemaker [judge] no higher than the boot.

[ne cytor suppa crepids] Compare: “Every cricket, know your hearth”, “Know, cat, your basket”, “Trouble, if the shoemaker starts baking pies, and the pieman makes boots” (Krylov). Pliny the Elder ("Natural History" XXXV, 36.12) talks about how the famous Greek artist of the 4th century. BC. Apelles exhibited his new painting in an open gazebo and, hiding behind it, listened to the opinions of passers-by. Hearing a remark about the number of loops on the inside of the shoe, he corrected the omission in the morning. When the shoemaker, proud, began to criticize the foot itself, the artist answered him with these words. This case is described by Pushkin ("The Shoemaker").

Nec mortale sonat. - Sounds immortal; no mortal [voice] sounds.

[nek mortale sonata (nek mortale sonata)] About thoughts and speeches filled with divine inspiration and wisdom. The basis is the words of Virgil (Aeneid, VI, 50) about the ecstatic prophetess Sibyl (Apollo himself revealed the secrets of the future to her). Inspired by God, she seemed to Aeneas (he came to find out how to go down to the underworld and see his father there) taller; even her voice sounded different from that of mortals.

Nee pluribus impar - Not inferior to the multitude; above all

[nek pluribus impar] The motto of King Louis XIV of France (1638-1715), who was called the "Sun King".

[neck plus ultra] Usually they say: “to the dog plus ultra” (“to the limit”). These words (in Greek) were allegedly uttered by Hercules, erecting two rocks (Pillars of Hercules) on the shores of the Strait of Gibraltar (this place was then considered the western limit of the inhabited world). The hero reached there, performing his 10th feat (stealing the cows of the giant Gerion, who lived in the far west). "Nee plus ultra" - the inscription on the ancient coat of arms of the city of Cadiz in southern Spain. Compare with the motto of the Habsburg dynasty, which ruled in Austria, Austria-Hungary, the Holy Roman Empire and Spain: "Plus ultra" ("Beyond perfection", "Even further", "Forward").

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