nil desperandum
AmericanEtymology
Origin of nil desperandum
from Latin, literally: nothing to be despaired of
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This hitch in the mainspring of the domestic machinery had a bad effect upon the whole concern, but Amy’s motto was ‘Nil desperandum’, and having made up her mind what to do, she proceeded to do it in spite of all obstacles.
From Literature
All were sunk by gunfire apart from the steamer Nil Desperandum, which had a bomb placed in the engine room.
From BBC
He fails to catch one of them, but nil desperandum: he's got a fake bazooka, and that shoots fireworks as well.
From The Guardian
Nil desperandum was evidently the motto of that crew; and their philosophy was rewarded.
From Project Gutenberg
Nil desperandum: that's my motto.
From Project Gutenberg
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.