phrase
also: Roman History
Rome Wasn't Built in a Day
Big achievements need time — the proverb of every patient mentor and stalling project manager.
Origin
First recorded in French (*Rome ne fu[t] pas faite toute en un jour*) in the 12th-century *Li Proverbe au Vilain*, then in English from at least 1545. Already cliché by the 17th century. The literal claim is true — Rome took roughly five centuries to grow from a hill town to imperial capital.
Modern usage
Standard consolation for slow progress on long projects — a startup at month six, a recovery at week four, a renovation at year two. Frequently used by people who are themselves the cause of the delay. The patience-side counterpart to [[strike-while-the-iron-is-hot]].
Tags
patience
rome
proverb