Ὁ Κρὴς τὴν θάλασσαν
the Cretan (and) the sea
Translated by David Whitehead7 Oct 2001Vetting: high3 revisions
Translation
A proverb in reference to those pretending to avoid the things in which they are exceptional. [Coined] because the Cretans were supreme sailors.
Greek original · Adler’s text
Ὁ Κρὴς τὴν θάλασσαν· παροιμία ἐπὶ τῶν προσποιουμένων φεύγειν ἐκεῖνα, ἐν οἷς διαφέρουσιν. ἐπειδὴ ναυτικώτατοι οἱ Κρῆτες ἐγένοντο.
Betacode
*(o *krh\s th\n qa/lassan: paroimi/a e)pi\ tw=n prospoioume/nwn feu/gein e)kei=na, e)n oi(=s diafe/rousin. e)peidh\ nautikw/tatoi oi( *krh=tes e)ge/nonto.
Notes
- Likewise Zenobius 5.30 and other paroemiographers. Note however that lexicography (Hesychius omicron493, Photius omicron189 Theodoridis) has a different take on it, perhaps stemming from confusion with omicron 686 (q.v.).
For the theme, compare Br'er Rabbit: "Please don't throw me in the briar patch!"
Another proverb referring to the Cretans appears at kappa 2407.
Neighbouring entries
Revision history3 revisions · last 28 Dec 2020
- expanded note — Catharine Roth
- another note and keyword; cosmetics — David Whitehead
- modified translation, added note — Catharine Roth
- Translated — David Whitehead