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  3. Idioms / Maxims / Sayings

Что позволено Юпитеру, то не позволено быку

English translation: What is permitted to Jove is not permitted to an ox / Gods may do what cattle may not.

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Russian term or phrase:Что позволено Юпитеру, то не позволено быку
English translation:What is permitted to Jove is not permitted to an ox / Gods may do what cattle may not.
Entered by: Jurate Kazlauskaite

20:09 Jun 29, 2011
Russian to English translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Idioms / Maxims / Sayings / Proverb
Russian term or phrase: Что позволено Юпитеру, то не позволено быку
It is a Latin proverb. I was asked to give a free translation of it into English.

Thank you.
Jurate Kazlauskaite
Lithuania
Local time: 22:43
"Gods may do what cattle may not".
Explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quod_licet_Iovi,_non_licet_bovi
Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi is a Latin phrase, literally meaning "What is legitimate for Jove (Jupiter), is not legitimate for oxen." The phrase was created by Terence, a playwright of the Roman Republic[1] in reference to the myth wherein Jupiter took the form of a bull to seduce Europa. The phrase is often translated as "Gods may do what cattle may not". It indicates the existence of a double standard (justifiable or otherwise), and essentially means "what is permitted to one person or group, is not permitted to everyone."

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Note added at 1 day19 hrs (2011-07-01 15:18:14 GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

Thank you, Jurate! I am happy the my answer was helpful. Have a nive week-end!
Selected response from:

Ann Nosova
United States
Local time: 14:43
Grading comment
3 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +6"Gods may do what cattle may not".
Ann Nosova
4 +2"What is legitimate for Jove (Jupiter), is not legitimate for oxen."
erika rubinstein
5 +1What is permitted to Jove is not permitted to an ox.
LOliver


Discussion entries: 3





  

Answers


7 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
"What is legitimate for Jove (Jupiter), is not legitimate for oxen."


Explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quod_licet_Iovi,_non_licet_bovi

erika rubinstein
Local time: 21:43
Native speaker of: Native in RussianRussian, Native in GermanGerman
PRO pts in category: 8

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  LOliver
6 mins
agree  interprivate
12 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

13 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +1
What is permitted to Jove is not permitted to an ox.


Explanation:
xx


    Reference: http://audiolatinproverbs.blogspot.com/2006/09/quod-licet-io...
LOliver
United States
Local time: 15:43
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in RussianRussian, Native in UkrainianUkrainian

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  MariyaN (X)
2 hrs
  -> Thanks!
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

13 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +6
"Gods may do what cattle may not".


Explanation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quod_licet_Iovi,_non_licet_bovi
Quod licet Iovi, non licet bovi is a Latin phrase, literally meaning "What is legitimate for Jove (Jupiter), is not legitimate for oxen." The phrase was created by Terence, a playwright of the Roman Republic[1] in reference to the myth wherein Jupiter took the form of a bull to seduce Europa. The phrase is often translated as "Gods may do what cattle may not". It indicates the existence of a double standard (justifiable or otherwise), and essentially means "what is permitted to one person or group, is not permitted to everyone."

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 1 day19 hrs (2011-07-01 15:18:14 GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

Thank you, Jurate! I am happy the my answer was helpful. Have a nive week-end!

Ann Nosova
United States
Local time: 14:43
Native speaker of: Native in RussianRussian, Native in UkrainianUkrainian
PRO pts in category: 3
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you very much, Ann. That is what I need: a free translation (interpretation) of the phrase.

Asker: Thank you very much, Ann. I do not know what to do with "points". I should have made a note "not for points" (I needed "a free translation"). So, if you do not receive any points, I want to say that you have helped a lot. Have a nice day!


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Sam Pinson
2 mins
  -> thank you, Sam
agree  Svetlana Babrauskiene
11 mins
  -> thank you, Svetlana
agree  rikka
43 mins
  -> thank you, rikka
agree  Jack Doughty
1 hr
  -> thank you, Jack
agree  Denis Shepelev
14 hrs
  -> thank you, Denis
agree  cyhul
1 day 6 hrs
  -> thank you, cyhul
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