Translations of the “verba obscura” are located at this sesquipedalia page.

(Sesquipedalia Verba or Sesquipedalians are references to the use of excessively long words)


  • Verba Obscura #1, Those of deficient intellect usually press forward where members of the heavenly host dread to venture. = Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

  • Verba Obscura #2, The time to smite the ferrous metal is when it is at a super thermic temperature. = Strike while the iron is hot.

  • Verba Obscura #3, A vociferous domesticated carnivorous animal belonging to the genus Canis generally is not prone to use its dental equipment when it is busy. = Barking dogs don't bite.

  • Verba Obscura #4, The feathered creature that appears before the usual time captures the small, creeping, legless animal. = The early bird catches the worm.

  • Verba Obscura #5, The upsetting of a container of a white, nourishing fluid does not call for expressions of bereavement. = Don't cry over spilt milk.

  • Verba Obscura #6, Conduct a careful survey before you commit yourself to a springing, forward movement. = Look before you leap.

  • Verba Obscura #7, It is one thing to conduct a hoofed, four-legged animal to a colorless and odorless fluid but it is another matter to force it to imbibe. = You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.

  • Verba Obscura #8, It is impossible to create a small money receptacle made of a soft, tenacious thread from the auricle of a female porker. = You can't make a purse out of a sow's ear.

  • Verba Obscura #9, The Creator lends valuable assistance to those who practice self-aid. = God helps those who help themselves.

  • Verba Obscura #10, An intermixture or succession of different things seasons and flavors a person’s existence. = Variety is the spice of life.

You may return to the Focusing on Words Newsletter #8, with a click on this link.