Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
Meaning: Big, important things take time and patience.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day” means that big, important things take time and patience. The saying goes back to a medieval French proverb and appeared in English by 1546. People often use it to encourage someone who feels frustrated by slow progress. For example, “Your English is getting better every week. Don’t give up—Rome wasn’t built in a day!”
How to use it
People say it to encourage someone who feels slow progress, like learning a language, building a business or getting fit. It’s kind and supportive, and it works in both casual and work conversations. It’s usually said in the past tense with a contraction: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
Examples
- Your English is getting better every month. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- The new system will take a year to set up. Rome wasn’t built in a day.
- I know you want results fast, but Rome wasn’t built in a day.
A common mistake
Use the past tense: Rome wasn’t built in a day, not “Rome isn’t built in a day” or “Rome didn’t build in a day.” It’s about patience, not about being lazy or late.
Say it out loud
Tabbi Daily gives you one short lesson like this every day. Listen, record yourself and hear how you sound. Free, no account needed.
Source: Grammar Monster