Rome was not built in a day

This proverb teaches patience and perseverance. Important tasks call for a lot of hard work and take a long time to complete. Often the proverb is used as an excuse for delay.

‘Haven’t you finished mowing the lawn yet ?’complained Mrs Nagg. Her husband mopped his brow with his handkerchief.

‘Give me time,’ he answered. ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day.’