There is a tide in the affairs of man which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.
Meaning: Seizing opportunities at their peak moment determines success; delay means missing favorable circumstances entirely.
Origin: From Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (1599), where Brutus urges Cassius to march against Antony and Octavian at once: "There is a tide in the affairs of men, / Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; / Omitted, all the voyage of their life / Is bound in shallows and in miseries." Brutus takes the tide, and it leads to his defeat at Philippi.
More proverbs about Morality
- Trust not a horse's heel, nor a dog's tooth. — Animals show their danger through their vulnerable parts—beware those who reveal capacity…
- Truth hath a good face, but bad clothes. — Honesty may lack polish or appeal, yet its substance remains sound and worthy of respect.
- Truth may be blamed, but it can't be shamed. — Truth's integrity remains unblemished regardless of criticism or disapproval directed aga…
- An unhappy lad may make a good man. — Hardship in youth builds character and resilience necessary for adult virtue.
- Search others for their virtues, thyself for their faults. — Examine what others do well while ruthlessly cataloging your own shortcomings, reversing…
- He that makes a good war makes a good peace. — Strategic planning and decisive action in conflict create stable, sustainable resolutions.
From our untranslatable words
- Blunda — To close your eyes on purpose — and, by extension, to knowingly refuse to see something.
- Fredagsmys — The Friday-night ritual of soft clothes, snacks and television with the people you live w…
- Gökotta — Rising at first light for no reason but to go outside and hear the birds sing.