Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

Timeō Danaōs et dōna ferentēs, paraphrased in English as "I fear the Greeks even when bearing gifts", is a Latin phrase from Aeneid, a Latin epic poem written by Virgil. The phrase is spoken by Trojan priest Laocoön referring to the Trojan Horse used by the Greeks during the Trojan War. The literal meaning of the phrase is "I fear the Danaans [Greeks], even those bearing gifts" or "even when they bear gifts". Most printed versions of the text have the variant ferentis instead of ferentes.[1] In modern English, it is used as a proverb to warn against trusting an enemy or adversary, even when they appear to be making an enticing offer.[2]

  1. ^ E.g, J. B. Greenough, Vergil. Bucolics, Aeneid, and Georgics of Vergil. Boston. Ginn & Co. 1900, II.49; The Works of Virgil: In Latin & English. The Aeneid, Volume 2, J. Dodsley, 1778, p. 138.
  2. ^ Martin, Gary. "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts". The Phrase Finder. Retrieved 29 June 2021.