Idiom
Rome wasn't built in a day
Rome wasn't built in a day means big, important things take time and patience to achieve.
How people use it
People say this to encourage someone who feels frustrated by slow progress, such as a new language learner or someone getting fit. It is also used to explain why a big project is taking longer than hoped. A typical line is "Be patient, Rome wasn't built in a day." The tone is informal to neutral and usually kind. Remember to capitalize Rome, since it is the name of the city.
Examples
- Your garden will fill in over time, because Rome wasn't built in a day.
- Learning to code feels slow at first, but Rome wasn't built in a day.
- The coach reminded the young team that Rome wasn't built in a day.
Where it comes from
The saying is medieval. A French version appears in a collection of proverbs from the late 1100s, and the English form was recorded in the 1500s in John Heywood's well-known book of proverbs. Ancient Rome grew over many centuries, which made it a natural example of a great achievement that took a long time.
Check yourself
1. What does Rome wasn't built in a day mean?
Answer: Great things take time. The saying asks for patience with slow but steady progress.
2. When would you most likely say it?
Answer: To a friend upset that her new business is growing slowly. The saying encourages patience when progress feels slow.
Similar idioms
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