seize the day
Meaning: Make the most of the present moment.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “She got the job offer in Tokyo and decided to seize the day.”
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A translation of the Latin "carpe diem," from the Roman poet Horace's Odes (23 BC), which urges the reader to trust as little as possible in tomorrow. The film Dead Poets Society (1989) gave it new popularity.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Carpe diem — literally: Seize the day
More idioms — Daily Life
- bow and scrape — To behave in an overly humble or flattering way toward someone powerful.
- jump ship — To abandon a group or cause, often for a rival.
- left on the shelf — To be considered too old to marry; more generally, to be passed over.
- Caesar's wife must be above suspicion — People in prominent positions must avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing.
- the game is not worth the candle — The effort or cost is greater than the reward.
- be a third wheel — To be an unwanted extra person with a couple.
More English idioms
- give free rein — To give someone complete freedom to act.
- take with a grain of salt — To be skeptical about something; not to take it entirely at face value.
- like a bat out of hell — Extremely fast.
- have a seat at the table — To be included in the discussions where decisions are made.
- find Mr. Right — To find the ideal romantic partner.
- all roads lead to Rome — There are many ways to reach the same goal.