Ἀγροίκου μὴ καταφρόνει ῥήτορος
don't despise a rustic rhetor
Translated by David Whitehead7 Jun 2002Vetting: high8 revisions
Translation
[Said] because one should not despise even worthless things.
Greek original · Adler’s text
Ἀγροίκου μὴ καταφρόνει ῥήτορος· ὅτι μηδὲ τῶν εὐτελῶν χρὴ καταφρονεῖν.
Betacode
*)agroi/kou mh\ katafro/nei r(h/toros: o(/ti mhde\ tw=n eu)telw=n xrh\ katafronei=n.
Notes
References
Renzo Tosi, Dictionnaire des sentences latines et grecques, tr. Rebecca Lenoir; Paris (Millon) 2010
Linked from71 entries
- α317Ἄγουσιν ἑορτὴν οἱ κλέπταιthe thieves are keeping festival.The expression [is] very charming and suitably witty in accordance with the charm of comedy. It signifies those who steal with impunity.
- α538Ἀδύνατα θηρᾷςyou are hunting impossible things[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those who undertake things too great for them.
- α554Ἀέρα δαίρεινto thrash air[no gloss]
- α573Ἀετὸν ἵπτασθαι διδάσκειςyou are teaching an eagle to fly[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those attempting to teach certain people things that they understand better than [do] those wishing to teach.
- α577Ἀετοῦ γῆρας κορύδου νεότηςeagle's old age, lark's youthInasmuch as the eagle, even when old, is better than every [other] bird.
- α607ἈείalwaysOf this [there are] 11 meanings. "The wise man must always be the same, in sharp pains, in the loss of a child, or in serious illnesses". Such was Apollonius of Tyana. And [there is] a proverb: "for the dice of Zeus…
- α827Ἄκαιροςill-timed, inopportune[Meaning] he who/that which which lacks good timing. Also [sc. attested is the proverbial phrase] "ill-timed goodwill is no different from enmity"; they say that Hippolytus said this to Phaedra when she maintained she…
- α853Ἀκέφαλοςheadless[Meaning] one who is rightless. And [there is] a proverb: Headless story. The proverb is spoken in reference to those speaking unfinished things.
- α1002Ἀκροθίνιαspoils, akrothinia[Meaning] the first-fruits of the annual crops. But in the strict sense akrothinia is the name for the first-fruits which those [who make their living] out of importing dedicate, because they are saved from the sand…
- α1052Ἀλλὰ γάρbut for all thatInstead of "but". Eupolis [sc. uses the idiom]. "But for all that, despondent men never yet set up a trophy." The proverb [is used] in reference to those who because of despondency are unable to accomplish anything…
- α1142Ἀλλ' ἕπου χώρας τρόποιςbut follow a country's ways[sc. A proverbial saying arising] because it is necessary to imitate the customs of each country in which one may be.
- α1341Ἄλλοτε μητρυιὴ πέλει ἡμέρη ἄλλοτε μήτηρsometimes a day is a step-mother (but) sometimes a mother[sc. A saying] in reference to those being sometimes unlucky, sometimes lucky.
Show all 71
- α1392Ἀλώπηξ τὸν βοῦν ἐλαύνειa fox drives the oxThe proverb is applied to things which do not happen in accordance with reason. "When associating with a fox, expect foxiness."
- α1414Ἄλλοι κάμον ἄλλοι ὤναντοsome work (but) others are benefited[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those who have inherited contrary to expectation.
- α1460Ἅμα δίδου καὶ λάμβανεgive and take at the same timeA proverb in reference to those who are inconsiderate and not to be trusted.
- α1462Ἅμα ἔπος ἅμα ἔργονno sooner said than doneA proverb in reference to those who accomplish [something] quickly and swiftly.
- α1486Ἅμαξα τὸν βοῦν ἕλκειa wagon is dragging the ox[no gloss]
- α1504Ἄμας ἀπῄτουν οἱ δ' ἀπηρνοῦντο σκάφαςthey were asking for shovels but the others were refusing them bowls[sc. A Saying] in reference to those who ask for some things but are told they cannot have things different from those requested.
- α2190Ἀνδρὸς γέροντος ἀσταφὶς τὸ κρανίονan old man's head is a dried grapeFrom part [sc. to whole]. In reference to those no longer of any use, because their whole body [is] weak. Also: 'An old man's jaws are staffs', in reference to those who eat a lot in their old age. Also: 'Never look at…
- α2261Ἀνέμους γεωργεῖςyou are farming winds[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those toiling and getting no share. For the wind produces and increases all things, but carries away nothing but chaff, so that it takes no gain.
- α2263Ἀνέμῳ διαλέγῃyou are talking to a wind[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those who are not heard. [Another] proverb [is]: "directions of winds"; "for locals know best not only the directions of the winds, according to the proverb, but also the…
- α2411Ἂν ἡ λεοντῆ μὴ ἐξικνῆταιIf you don't have the skin of a lion fasten on that of a foxThe sense [is]: if you clearly don't have the ability to ward something off, use trickery. And Homer [writes]: "either by trickery or by force." "Either openly or sneakily."
- α2477Ἀνίπτοις ποσίνwith unwashed feetMeaning with unready [feet], and without any preparation. And [there is] a proverb: 'climbing up the roof with unwashed feet', in reference to those coming ignorantly to some deeds and transactions. And Homer [writes]:…
- α2536Ἄνθρωπος ἀνθρώπου δαιμόνιονman (is) man's divinityA proverb in reference to those who are unexpectedly saved by a man and who are popular because of them. Also [sc. attested are the phrases] 'a man [like the] Euripos', 'fortune [like the] Euripos', 'thought [like the]…
- α2596Ἄνω ποταμῶν χωροῦσι πηγαίstreams are flowing up riversA proverb in reference to those acting or speaking in a contradictory manner, such as if the male prostitute were to claim that the temperate man was a male prostitute. For rivers flow down from above. That is, in…
- α2819Ἄξιος λαβεῖν ὁ μισθόςthe wage [is] worth takingThis [is in reference to] those trained for beauty, meaning something like this: "the wage is worthy, so that [one should] take it." It is in Cratinus. Homer was the first to use this figure: "for you shall be easier to…
- α3137Ἄπειροι γῦπεςinexperienced vultures, innumerable vultures[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those keeping watch upon someone for inheritance or for profit; as vultures attend upon those who are dying.
- α3330Ἀπὸ ἵππων ἐπ' ὄνουςfrom horses to donkeys[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those taking a turn for the worse.
- α3388Ἀπὸ λεπτοῦ μίτου τὸ ζῆν ἠρτῆσθαιlife has hung by a fragile thread"So for those sailing in such a [situation] they say that life has hung by a fragile thread." The proverb [is applied] to those who are in the utmost danger.
- α3494Ἀπορραγείςhaving been broken offMeaning having been cut off. And [there is] a proverb: "the string will break off if stretched." In reference to those who are doing something under force and compulsion.
- α3668Ἀπώλεσας τὸν οἶνον ἐπιχέας ὕδωρyou ruined the wine by pouring in water[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those who make a mess of things that were previously going well by means of some small fault. Or in reference to those who get what they want by deceit and who deal with things…
- α3954Ἄρκου παρούσης τὰ ἴχνη ζητεῖςa she-bear is here and you're looking for the tracks[A proverbial phrase] in reference to those who pretend to seek things which are present.
- α4096Ἀρχὴ ἄνδρα δείκνυσινoffice exposes a man[sc. A proverb] applied to those who are decent men before holding office but become violent in the post itself. They say that this a dictum of Solon's, though Aristotle and Theophrastus [says it is] Bias's.
- α4097Ἀρχὴ ἥμισυ παντόςa beginning (is) half of the whole[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those beginning something and making progress [in it].
- α4098Ἀρχὴν ἰᾶσθαι πολὺ λώϊον ἠὲ τελευτήνfar better to heal a beginning than an endThe proverb shows that it is preferable to prevent suffering and anything else terrible as it is beginning rather than when it has fully developed and reached its conclusion.
- α4479Αὐτίκαforthwith, in a moment[Means] after not much [time]. Right away, instantaneously, abruptly, after a bit, or a little later. But au)ti/ka ma/la means immediately. And [there is] a proverb: "and immediately the plants which are going to be…
- α4511Αὐτὸν κέκρουκας τὸν βατῆρα τῆς θύραςyou have hit the very threshold of the door[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those speaking truthfully; in effect, you have come to the truth itself.
- α4523Αὐτὸς ἔφαhe himself said; ipse dixit"This proverbial [phrase], in reference to Pythagoras the philosopher, entered into [usage in everyday] life." For this man, glorifying his own word and life in his lectures, used to say "he said himself"; meaning he…
- α4525Αὐτός τι νῦν δρῶν εἶτα τοὺς θεοὺς κάλειdo something now (and) then call upon the godsThe same as, "even with Athena (you must) move your hands." [sc. The latter is] a proverb suggesting that one should not sit around idle [relying] on expectations of the gods. It is applied to women, and especially…
- α4652ἈφροδίσιονAphrodision, AphrodisiumIn a special sense [this is] the shrine of Aphrodite. "He recounted [this] in the speech eagerly and with an Aphrodite not particularly extraordinary." Aelian [sc. says this]. And [there is] a proverb: "an Aphrodisian…
- α4716Ἄχρησταuseless (things), unprofitable (things)And [there is] a proverb: "don't spend [sc. time] on useless things." Never do good for an old man, nor a malignant slave/boy, nor a talkative woman, nor a stupid slave/boy or a neighbor's dog, nor a chattering rower.…
- αι125Αἰθίοπα σμήχεινto wash an Ethiopian white[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those exerting vain efforts.
- αι307Αἱρήσω τάχαI will take quicklyThose trying to pursue certain people are accustomed to say this. Also [sc. attested is] ai(rou=ntes h(|rh/meqa ["in taking we have been taken"], in reference to those who expect to defeat some people and are taken by…
- αι359Αἰσχύνη πόλεως πολίτου ἁμαρτίαthe citizen's error (is) the city's disgrace[no gloss]
- β210Βαιαίlittle (ones), scanty (ones)[Meaning] small [ones]. Also [sc. attested is the masculine singular] baio/s ["scanty"], in the special sense of "one". Sophocles [writes]: "was he traveling 'scanty' or with many men as attendants?". Also in Captive…
- β410Βοτρυόδωροςgrape-giving[Referring to] peace. Since vines flourish in peace-time. Aristophanes [writes]: "o grape-giving mistress." And [there is] a proverb: "grape ripens upon grape", in reference to those striving to be equal.
- β583Βοιωτία ὗςBoiotian sow, Boeotian sow[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those lacking perception and education.
- δ212Δελφῖνα νήχεσθαι διδάσκειςyou are teaching a dolphin to swim.[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those who train someone in matters in which they are already expert. Also [sc. attested is] "you are tying a dolphin by the tail"; in reference to to the impossible; because of…
- δ231Δεξιὸν εἰς ὑπόδημα ἀριστερὸν εἰς ποδονίπτρανright (foot) into a sandal (but) left into a foot-bathAristophanes [sc. wrote this]; in reference to those who use things fittingly.
- δ997Διειρωνόξενοιfalsely-hospitable, guest-dissembling[Meaning] those totally deceiving foreigners and lying by dissimulation and acting. [Said of] the Laconians; among whom also existed the law about expulsion of foreigners. That the Laconians were disgracefully-covetous…
- δ1091Δίκη δίκην ἔτικτε καὶ βλάβη βλάβηνsuit begat suit and hurt hurt[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those who are litigious and piling up lawsuits one on the other. Also, "to think of suing even if a donkey bites a dog". In reference to those who engage in malicious…
- δ1096Δίκης ὀφθαλμόςeye of justice"[...] with the result that everyone acknowledged that, as the proverb says, 'there is an eye of justice', which mere mortals [must] never despise".
- δ1115ΔίκτυονnetAnd [there is] a proverb: "you are hunting the wind with a net," in reference to those doing something in vain and mindlessly. Also, "you are inflating a net," in reference to the equally mindless.
- δ1204Διὸς ἐγκέφαλοςZeus' brain, Zeus' morsel[Referring to] the finest food-item. So say the Persians in reference to those who live luxuriously; or "king's morsel."
- δ1267Δὶς ἑπτὰ πληγαῖς πολύπους πιλούμενοςan octopus pounded with twice seven blows[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to those who deserve punishment, inasmuch as when the octopus has been caught it is beaten many times to make it tender. And [there is] another proverb: "twice and thrice the…
- δ1272Δὶς κράμβη θάνατοςtwice-cooked cabbage (is) death[no gloss]
- δ1386Δορκάςgazelle, antelopeAnd [there is] a saying: 'I, a gazelle, will not pick a fight with a lion'. In reference to those of unequal strength.
- δ1451Δῶρα θεοὺς πείθει καὶ αἰδοίους βασιλῆαςgifts sway gods and revered kingsSome consider the line Hesiodic, and it is also uttered by Plato in the third [book of the] Republic.
- δ1474Δῶρονwhen someone gives a gift praise it[no gloss]
- δ1581Δύο τοίχους ἀλείφειςyou are oiling two walls[sc. This proverbial phrase] is said in reference to those hedging their bets and taking a middle course in battles or friendships. The saying perhaps comes from those creating illuminations on two walls.
- ε11Ἔαρος χρῄζειis in want of springBecause [he] has an old tunic. And Aristophanes [writes]: "he seems to be in need of not a few swallows." For one swallow does not make a spring.
- ε151Ἐγὼ δὲ καὶ σὺ ταὐτὸν ἕλκομεν ζυγόνyou and I are dragging the same yoke[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference to people experiencing similar and comparable things.
- ε185Ἐγχώριονlocal[Meaning] domestic. "For locals know best not only the directions of the winds, according to the proverb, but also the customs of the local people."
- ε531Ἑκοντίwillingly[Meaning] voluntarily. And [there is] a proverb: "willing but with an unwilling heart."
- ε675Ἐκτὸς πηλοῦ πόδας ἔχεινto keep one's feet outside the mud[sc. A proverbial phrase] in reference those staying out of danger. It is like: [to stay] in the dry.
- ε695Ἐκκυβεύεινto gamble (everything) on dice[Meaning] to throw oneself into danger. "Thinking it, as the poet says, a ruse, he decided in no way to gamble (everything) on dice or to take a risk with his forces; he stayed quietly in camp." And elsewhere: "the…
- ε754Ἐλάφειονhind's[An adjective applicable to] the hind's horn and flesh. Also [sc. attested] is the phrase 'hind man', in reference to a coward. Out of a metaphor of the animal; for the hind [is] cowardly.
- ε816Ἐλέφαντος οὐδὲν διαφέρειςyou are no different from an elephant[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to large and insensible people/things; inasmuch as that is what the creature [is] like. Also [sc. attested is 'you are making] an elephant out of a fly', in reference to those…
- ε880Ἕλκει μοιχὸς εἰς μοιχόνa seducer drags into a seducerA proverb.
- χ157Χαῖρε φίλον φῶςfarewell dear lightWhen a woman wants to misbehave and puts out the lamp, this, they say, is what she says. But others [specify] a bad woman, others an old one.
- χ477υνκνοων—Χρήματα χρήματ' ἀνήρ πενιχρὸς δ' οὐδέποτ' ἐσθλόςmoney money (is the) man but a pauper (is) never noble[sc. A proverbial saying] in reference to those who are successful due to wealth. Aristodemos says [this]. And Alcaeus mentions Aristodemus: "for as Aristodamos once in Sparta", he says, "spoke a speech that was not…
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