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Greek Gift (A)

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A treacherous gift. The reference is to the Wooden Horse said to be a gift or offering to the gods for a safe return from Troy, but in reality a ruse for the destruction of the city. (See Fatal Gifts.)

“Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes.”


Virgil: Æneid, ii. 49.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Grecian Coffee-house
Grecian Stairs
Greedy (Justice)
Greegrees
Greek (The)
Greek Calends
Greek Church
Greek Commentator
Greek Cross
Greek Fire
Greek Gift (A)
Greek Life
Greek Trust
Greeks
Green
Green Bag
Green Bird (The)
Green Cloth
Green Dogs
Green Dragoons (The)
Green Glasses