nemini confide
The English phrase "trust no one" is translated into Latin as nemini confide.
nemini confide is an imperative phrase used to warn someone not to place their confidence or trust in any person. In Ecclesiastical Latin, the phrase Nulli fidem habeas can also be used to mean "have no trust in anyone".
How does it change in a sentence?
nemini confide is a singular imperative, which means it is used when giving the command to only one person.
Did you know?
- In Roman society, the concept of fides was so central that it was personified as a goddess who represented the reliability of a person's word.
- In the Roman world, failing to maintain fides was not just a personal betrayal but a social crime that could lead to a loss of citizenship or legal status.
- While nemini confide warns against trust, the Latin root confidere literally means 'to trust fully', as it combines cum meaning 'with' and fidere meaning 'to trust'.
Examples in context
- Cave hostes et nemini confide.Beware enemies and trust no one.
Example conversation
Lucia warns Quintus about a dangerous political situation.
- LuciaQuinte, hoc est periculosum.Quintus, this is dangerous.
- QuintusQuid ego faciam, Lucia?What should I do, Lucia?
- LuciaSile et nemini confide.Keep silent and trust no one.
- QuintusIntellego, gratias tibi.I understand, thank you.
