What does a "tempus fugit" inscription mean on an antique grandmother clock?

Answer by  Cato (7)

The phrase "tempus fugit" is Latin for "Time flies." Tempus (time) is the subject, and fugit is a present, active, third person, singular verb.

Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

It's a common inscription on many antique clocks. It's Latin for "Time Flees". In the modern venacular, it would mean "Time Flies". Back in the day, people were not constantly aware of the time nor were constrained by time as we are nowadays.

Answer by  Mable (3008)

This Latin phrase means, "time flees" (time is running away, more commonly rendered, "time flies." The first known use of the phrase is from Virgil's "Georgics." There he wrote, "Sed fugit interea fugit irreparabile tempus, singula dum capti circumvectamur amore," which translates, "But meanwhile it flees: time flees irretrievably, while we wander around, prisoners of our love of detail."

Answer by  Darkephoenix (1789)

Sounds like the clockmaker had a sense of humor. It's Latin and it means something we've all heard many times before "Time Flies. "

Answer by  Jacki14 (86)

"Tempus Fugit" is a Latin phrase meaning 'time flies'. It is often found on clocks and clock faces, placed there to remind those who see it about the fleeting nature of life.