seize the hour/day
Seize the hour/day - Take advantage of the moment, enjoy the here and now. This phrase is a translation of the ancient Roman adage carpe diem, first stated by Horace in one of his Odes (ca. 23 B.C.). Actually, the full statement added quam minimum credula postero, trust the future as little as possible.
Synonyms
- Live in the moment
- Make hay while the sun shines
- Strike while the iron is hot
- Now or never
- Grab the bull by the horns
Antonyms
- Procrastinate
- Delay
- Miss the boat
- Wait for the perfect time
- Hesitate
Related Expressions
- Life is short
- The early bird catches the worm
- You only live once (YOLO)
- Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “The trouble is, you think you have time.” – Buddha, paraphrased.
- “Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the ‘Titanic’ who waved off the dessert cart.” – Erma Bombeck
- “Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.” – Elbert Hubbard
Inspirational Proverb
- “He who hesitates is lost.”
Suggested Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Books: “Dead Poets Society” by N. H. Kleinbaum (Carpe Diem is a recited theme)
- Songs: “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus (focusing on the present journey)
- Poetry: “To His Coy Mistress” by Andrew Marvell (advocating for seizing the moment in love)
- Movies: “Dead Poets Society” (1989) – Famous for the Carpe Diem motif.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
“Seize the day or fade away into the indistinguishable murmur of missed opportunities. The hour awaits; grasp it with both hands.”
### Which literary figure is synonymous with the term "Seize the Day" (Carpe Diem)?
- [ ] Shakespeare
- [x] Horace
- [ ] Dante
- [ ] Homer
> **Explanation:** The phrase "Carpe Diem" was first stated by the ancient Roman poet Horace in his _Odes_. Shakespeare, Dante, and Homer have various other renowned contributions, but not this particular gem.
### Which of these is a synonym for "Seize the Day"?
- [ ] Put it on the back burner
- [x] Live in the moment
- [ ] Bide your time
- [ ] Delay gratification
> **Explanation:** "Live in the moment" is a synonym for "Seize the Day." The other options suggest postponing action or waiting, which is the opposite of the prompt.
### True or False: "YOLO" and "Carpe Diem" carry similar meanings.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True! Both "YOLO" (You Only Live Once) and "Carpe Diem" encourage taking full advantage of the present without overburdening oneself with fears about the future.
### Complete the phrase: "Make hay while the __."
- [ ] rain stops
- [x] sun shines
- [ ] crops grow
- [ ] moon rises
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "Make hay while the sun shines," meaning to take advantage of an opportunity while it's available—a sentiment that perfectly aligns with "Seize the Day."
### What is implied by "Seize the hour/day"?
- [ ] Postpone actions for a better time
- [x] Take advantage of the moment
- [ ] Ignore present opportunities
- [ ] Focus only on the past
> **Explanation:** "Seize the hour/day" implies taking advantage of the current moment, making the most of opportunities as they arise, and not postponing actions for an uncertain future.
