Careful Words

opportunity (n.)

Turning, for them who pass, the common dust

Of servile opportunity to gold.

William Wordsworth (1770-1850): Desultory Stanza.

  Observe the opportunity.

Old Testament: Ecclesiasticus iv. 20.

  Another was, "Watch your opportunity."

Diogenes Laertius (Circa 200 a d): Pittacus. vii.

  While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity.

Publius Syrus (42 b c): Maxim 185.

  Ignorance plays the chief part among men, and the multitude of words; but opportunity will prevail.

Diogenes Laertius (Circa 200 a d): Cleobulus. iv.