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Rome wasn't built in a day

Cultural  
  1. Valuable projects take time.


Rome wasn't built in a day Idioms  
  1. Important work takes time. This expression functions as an injunction or plea for someone to be patient. For example, You can't expect her to finish this project in the time allotted; Rome wasn't built in a day. This phrase was a French proverb in the late 1100s but was not recorded in English until 1545.


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.

See Examples For:

"They know Rome wasn't built in a day," Vance said in the key, blue-collar swing state of Pennsylvania on Tuesday.

From Barron's ● Dec. 17, 2025

The Harbaugh process needs to be trusted and Rome wasn’t built in a day.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 18, 2025

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so please look after yourself first.

From Washington Post ● Nov. 30, 2021

Rome wasn't built in a day but I've figured out the formula of the way you're meant to do things.

From BBC ● Apr. 25, 2013

As he so often said, when some companion tried to make undue speed, "Rome wasn't built in a day," and the more haste the less speed to the end.

From Rocky Mountain Boys Camping in the Big Game Country by St. George Rathborne

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