Unraveling Wisdom: The Origins Of 7 Greek Proverbs

The Greek language is a treasure trove of wisdom encapsulated in its vast array of proverbs. These succinct and often poetic expressions have been passed down through generations, offering insights into human nature, life's complexities, and societal values.

From ancient times to the present day, Greek proverbs have served as guides for navigating life's challenges and celebrating its joys. Let's dive into the origins of seven Greek proverbs, each offering a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of Greece and the timeless wisdom embedded within its language.

1. Χαιρέτα μου τον πλάτανο (Chereta mou ton platano)

Literal Translation: Wave to my plane tree.

Similar English Proverb: Waving at a tree.

Used when: This phrase indicates a situation or endeavor that is doomed to fail or highly unlikely to succeed.

Originating in Athens, specifically in the shadow of the Acropolis at the "Aerides" of Plaka, this phrase dates back to the 18th century. Back then, the Turks erected Medrese, initially a seminary, which later turned into a prison under Greek rule. Within the prison's courtyard stood a haunting symbol: a mighty plane tree. Its branches bore the weight of justice, or rather, injustice, as condemned individuals, mostly the impoverished and politically oppressed, met their fate hanging from its limbs. But it wasn't just about death; it symbolized tyranny, representing the Bavarian rulers' oppression and corruption.

Upon release, former inmates would glance back at the prison cells, bidding farewell to the tree of death, hoping never to return. Thus, the phrase evolved to depict situations destined for failure due to mishandling or inherent flaws—a nod to bidding goodbye to the gallows.

Literal Translation: The pear has its tail behind.

Similar English Proverb: Still waters run deep.

Used when: This proverb suggests that someone might conceal a hidden agenda or a dark side, even though it's not immediately visible.

This saying traces its origins to the time when the Venetians dominated the seas and introduced the first transport sailboats for ferrying their troops. These boats, made of wood and of colossal size, had the shape of a pear. Often, they dragged a small boat behind them, carrying weaponry, provisions, and various war paraphernalia. Greeks dubbed these boats "pears" because of their shape.

When an unfamiliar ship appeared on the horizon, islanders (vigilantes) would anxiously climb the cliffs to observe its movements. If it was just a sailboat, their concerns were minimal, as it might continue its journey elsewhere. However, if it was a "pear," panic ensued, as they anticipated battles, sieges, famine, and death. They would hastily depart to prepare for defense. The rumor spread like wildfire: "The pear has its tail behind."

Literal Translation: They changed our lights.

Similar English Proverb: They've run me ragged.

Used when: This phrase implies that someone or something has drained us mentally or psysically, leaving us feeling exhausted or depleted.

In England's eerie past, there was a chilling practice: smugglers were hung along the coast, coated in tar and left to sway in the ocean breeze for what seemed like ages. The gallows stood tall on the cliffs, overlooking the empty beach. This grim tradition lasted until the early 19th century, with stories of three such figures hanging ominously from Dover Tower in 1822. Thieves, arsonists, and murderers met similar fates.

Across the seas, Byzantine justice harbored its own horrors. Lamp lighters, once tasked with illuminating the streets, found themselves condemned to a fate worse than darkness: their feet set ablaze, casting them as living torches. It seems there were many murderers during that era, as they lit up the Keratian Gulf for a certain period. Later, however, they were replaced with real torches. Amidst the flickering flames of punishment, whispers arose from those who yearned for justice in its most visceral form, lamenting, "They changed our lights."

Literal Translation: John drinks, John treats.

Similar English Proverb: What John says goes.

Used when: This saying signifies that someone not only indulges in a particular activity but also assumes full responsibility for its outcomes.

Among Theodoros Kolokotronis' fierce warriors, there was one man who stood head and shoulders above the rest: Giannis Thymioulas, famed for his colossal size and strength. Standing at a towering two meters, with the strength to lift a horse with ease, Thymioulas was a force to be reckoned with. He could devour an entire lamb in one sitting, yet hunger still gnawed at him. And he loved his drink, too. But despite his voracious appetite and love for wine, he moved with surprising agility, fearlessly charging into battle where his mere presence struck terror into the hearts of his enemies. Many captains sought Kolokotronis' favor to borrow Thymioulas for their bold missions, knowing his mere presence would strike fear into the hearts of their foes.

However, there came a time when Thymioulas and five of his comrades found themselves trapped in a mountain cave, besieged by enemies for three long days. With dwindling supplies and starvation looming, Thymioulas faced an unthinkable decision. In a daring act of desperation, Thymioulas made a heroic charge out of the cave, wielding his rifle with unmatched speed and strength, sending the besiegers into a frenzy of panic and chaos. His sheer force and determination were enough to send them fleeing in terror, allowing him and his comrades to escape unscathed.

Upon his triumphant return to a nearby Greek village, Thymioulas wasted no time in celebrating his victory. He slaughtered three lambs, skewered them for a feast, and ordered a barrel of wine fit for a king. As he indulged in his well-deserved feast, he generously invited all who passed by to join in the revelry. Just as the festivities were in full swing, Theodoros Kolokotronis himself arrived, curious to learn of the commotion. "John drinks, and John treats!" declared the village headman with a knowing smile. 

Literal Translation: It comes to me in a box.

Similar English Proverb: It fits like a glove.

Used when: This phrase indicates that a situation is absolutely ideal for someone.

To express that something suits someone perfectly, Greeks say "it comes to me in a box." In the early years of King Otto's reign, as cosmopolitan life began to take shape and the first social gatherings were organized, the issue of attire naturally arose. Skilled dressmakers and tailors were available, but primarily for crafting traditional Greek garments with their colorful and intricate embroideries and decorations. The tailors who worked according to European standards, appeared a bit later.

As expected, preferences gradually aligned with Western notions of elegance over time. Parisian dresses and London-style suits for men became the new standards for the fashion-conscious Athenians. Since Athenian seamstresses couldn't be trusted with expensive fabrics, the wealthiest individuals placed their orders in Europe. One fine morning, finely tailored clothes from Paris and London arrived, neatly packed in luxurious boxes.

Would the box arrive on time? Fortunately, everything went smoothly when Europe was punctual in delivering its offerings. For the one eagerly awaiting, "it came in a box," and those who received their attire even without a fitting were considered truly fortunate, or "of the box."

Literal Translation: He's pretending to be a duck.

Similar English Proverb: Playing dumb.

Used when: This expression arises when someone feigns complete ignorance about a situation.

In the Byzantine era, the individual responsible for holding the keys to the palace was called the "papías." Over time, this title became an honorary one, given to various trusted courtiers.

Once, the papías of the palace was Ioannis Chandrinos, known for his harsh demeanor, cunning nature, and deceitfulness. Upon assuming his duties, he began to slander everyone to the emperor, becoming feared by all. When someone complained that he had wronged them, Chandrinos would feign surprise, saying, "You're my best friend! How could I speak against you to the emperor?" This duplicity became legendary in Byzantium.

That's why since then, when someone was caught lying to their company or pretending ignorance, their friends sarcastically remarked, "Are you channeling the Papías?" This phrase has survived to this day with a slight variation.

Literal Translation: They haven't even seen him, and they've already named him John.

Similar English Proverb: Counting your chickens before they hatch.

Used when: To highlight situations where decisions are made hastily or without proper consideration.

This proverb originates from a humorous tale involving Angelakis Nikitaras and Theodoros Kolokotronis. Nikitaras, eager for Kolokotronis to baptize his unborn child, decided to name the child Giannis However, Nikitaras falsely claimed that the child was due soon, assuming Kolokotronis wouldn't make it in time due to his military engagements. Despite Nikitaras' insistence, Kolokotronis couldn't attend the baptism immediately.

When Kolokotronis eventually visited Nikitaras, he discovered that Nikitaras' wife was still pregnant. Amused by the premature naming and Nikitaras' exaggeration, Kolokotronis jokingly exclaimed, "They haven't even seen him, and they've already named him John!"