proVERBS

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Una hirundo non efficit ver

conmentarius:
In the languages of southern Europe, the equivalent proverb usually has 'spring' rather than 'summer', because migrating swallows arrive earlier there than they do in northern Europe

conmentarius:
In northern Europe the swallow heralds the start of summer, but the swallows reach southern Europe earlier, in spring

Significatio:
Though there may be a demonstrable link between two phenomena, a single piece of evidence is not enough to prove it, and may in fact be an exception or anomaly

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Sola avis in cavea melior quam mille volantes

conmentarius:
The word 'bush' has two meanings, both a small round tree and an unfarmed unpopulated area of land with many trees and bushes.

conmentarius:
Wild birds were often considered delicacies in Roman cuisine. They were generally caught in traps or nets, sometimes in large numbers

Significatio:
A single certain good is better than any number of merely potential ones

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Non omne est aurum quod splendet

Significatio:
Appearances can be deceiving: even things that are superficially beautiful may turn out to be worthless

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Canes qui plurimum latrant perraro mordent

Significatio:
With both dogs and humans, outward aggression or bluster often conceals an underlying lack of confidence

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Stultus puerque vera dicunt

Significatio:
People with fewer or no inhibitions say things others will not and are often more truthful

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Post tres saepe dies vilescit piscis et hospes

conmentarius:
This proverb would be particularly poignant before the invention of the refrigerator

Significatio:
Though it can be great to have guests at first, looking after them often loses its charm after a few days

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Noli equi dentes inspicere donati

conmentarius:
The condition of the teeth is a good indicator of the age of a horse

Significatio:
When something potentially valuable is given for free, the gift should not be questioned

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Fumus ergo ignis

Significatio:
There is no effect without some cause

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Lupus pilum mutat, non mentem

Significatio:
Bad people may change their appearances or behaviour, but this does not necessarily mean that their character has changed

Translatio:
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Equivalent:
Roma non fuit una die condita

conmentarius:
At the height of the Roman Empire, Rome was the greatest city in the known world. The Romans were intensely aware of their history, and the foundation of Rome would have seemed like the greatest task imaginable

Significatio:
Great tasks require application and perseverance: if you give up after a day, you will never succeed