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

(classical-language maxims, slogans, adages, proverbs, and words of wisdom that can still capture our modern imagination)

Expressions of general truths: Latin to English maxims, proverbs, and mottoes

Word entries are from Latin unless otherwise indicated.

Faber est quisque fortunae suae. (Latin proverb)
Translation: "Everyone is the architect of his own success."

The phrase, fortunae suae can also be translated as "his own misfortune".

Fac alteri ut tibi vis.
Translation: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Considered the "Golden Rule" given by Jesus Christ.

Fac et excusa.
Do it and make excuses later.

Also, "Make your move." This is a motto for those who want to be a success in life.

Fac et spera.
Do and hope.
Fac simile. (Latin motto)
Translation: "Do thou the like [similar]."
Fac similiter. (Latin motto)
Translation: "Do likewise."
Faces aut tace.
Do or be silent.
Facies tua computat annos.
Your face keeps count of the years.

Also interpreted as, "Check the mirror, not the calendar."

Facile rumpuntur singula jacula, conjuncta non item.
To break a single arrow is easy, to break a bundle of arrows is difficult.

Motto of Otto III (983-1002), A child of three when his father died, his mother Theophano, and after her death his grandmother Adelheid and Archbishop Willingis of Mainz ruled over the empire until 995.

Otto III, who was considered to be highly talented and educated, tried to revive the glory of ancient Rome. During his first expedition to Rome, he designated his 24-year old cousin Bruno Pope (Gregory V) and on his second expedition his teacher Gerbert, Archibishop of Reims, as Pope Sylvester II.

He sought to establish a universal theocratic empire but his dreams of reform collapsed, when during his third expedition to Rome, rebellious Romans defeated him. He died of malaria at the age of 22 during an attempt to reconquer that city. He is buried in the cathedral of Aachen, Germany.

Facta non verba.
1. "Deeds not words"
2. "Actions speak louder than words." Facta non verba is interpreted as indicating that a person who says that he or she wants to do something must actually do it or what has been said doesn't mean anything.
Facta sunt potentiora verbis. (Latin statement)
Facts or deeds are more powerful than words.
Factis non verbis.
By deeds not words.
Facto non verbo.
Latin: "By deed not (just) a word (or words)."
Factum est.
It is done.
Faenum habet in cornu, longe fuge.
He has hay on his horn, beware of him.

A Latin idiom: The Romans were wary of bulls who gored haystacks. The proverb warns against the man who exhibits taurine traits.


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