abstract:Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes is a Latin phrase from Aeneid (II, 49), written by Virgil between 29 and 19 BC. It has been paraphrased in English as the aphorism "Beware of Danaans bearing gifts", though its literal meaning, "I fear the Danaans, even those bearing gifts", carries a somewhat different nuance to the usual English representation of the phrase.
Still, those who have read their Virgil may be found muttering to themselves: "Timeo Danaosetdonaferentes" (rough translation, 'Beware of Greeks bearing gifts').