Latin Phrases and Quotes

Latin is not a dead language. It is still here with us. You can find it on your dollar bill on top of the pyramid where it says "Annuit Coeptis" or on the detective TV shows, where they talk about a suspect's "MO" (Modus Operandi). Here you can find thousands of Latin phrases and their English translation. You may want to learn some of these, because quid quid latine dictum sit, altum videtur (anything said in Latin sounds smart).

1. A barba stulti discit tonsor - In the beard of a fool, you learn how to shave
2. A bene placito - At one's pleasure
3. A bonis ad meliora - From good to better
4. A bove ante, ab asino retro, a muliere undique caveto - Beware of the bull from the front, the donkey from behind, and women from all sides
5. A bove maiori discit arare minor - From the old ox the young ox learns how to plow
6. A calvo ad calvum - From one bald-person to another (From first to last - Suetonius - attributed to Caligula)
7. A cane muto et aqua silente cave tibi - Beware of the dog that does not bark, and of silent waters
8. A capillo usque ad ungues - From the hair to the toe nails (Petronius - Satyricon 102, 3)
9. A capite ad calcem - From head to toe
10. A cappella - Chapel style (Choral signing without instruments)
11. A coelo usque ad centrum - From heaven to the centre of the Earth (Thank you: Charlotte)
12. A cohores fratres viventem in aeternum - A band of brothers who live forever (Thank you: MJB)
13. A contrariis - To the contrary (Philosophical term used in logic)
14. A contrario sensu - Contrary to reason
15. A cruce salus - Salvation from the cross
16. A cuspide corona - From the spear a crown (Honor gained by military success)
17. A Deo rex, a rege lex - From God the King, from the King the law (Motto of the absolute monarchy who thought they derived power by God)
18. A digito cognoscitur leo - The lion is known by his claw
19. A divinis - Of the divine
20. A falsitate rationati ad falsitatem rationis valet consequentia - Of deceptive consequences follows false reasoning
21. A fortiori - By force (Legal term - With greater reason)
22. A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi - Between a cliff and wolf
23. A fructibus cognoscitur arbor - The tree is known by its fruit
24. A latere - On the side (Legal term - Denotes collateral)
25. A limine - From the threshold

Total: 4202