Fortune favours the bold

Are you using the idiom Fortune favours the bold but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the Fortune favours the bold idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "Fortune favours the bold"

Meaning

The phrase ‘Fortune favours the bold’ is an old Latin proverb - ‘audentis Fortuna juvat’ - which means that those who take risks have an increased chance of success. In other words, having the courage to make bold decisions may pay off, and the more daring you are, the more likely you are to succeed. The phrase is frequently used to encourage people to take chances in order to get ahead.

Etymology

The phrase ‘Fortune favours the bold’ is derived from the Latin proverb ‘audentis Fortuna juvat’, which was coined by Virgil in the Aeneid, an epic poem written some two thousand years ago. In the poem, Virgil wrote: ‘Audentis Fortuna Juvat: For the fortunes of the bold are ever favourable.’ The phrase has been used by a number of influential figures throughout history, including Cicero and Napoleon, as a way of encouraging people to take risks in order to achieve success.

Usage

‘Fortune favours the bold’ is typically used to encourage people to take risks in pursuit of their goals and dreams. By taking bold steps and pushing past our comfort zones, we can open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences, and increase our chance of success. It is a reminder that taking risks can be beneficial, and that we should not be afraid to step outside our comfort zone if we want to reap the rewards.

Example Sentences

• “If you want to succeed, you have to take some risks. Fortune favours the bold!”
• “I know it’s scary, but sometimes you have to take a leap of faith. Remember, Fortune favours the bold!”
• “Don’t be afraid of failure. Fortune favours the bold and you never know what might happen if you take that first step.”

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.