1. πῦρ ~ πυρός (n.): fire
2. ἀλήθεια ~ ἀληθείας (f.): truth
3. Ἀθῆναι ~ Ἀθηνῶν (f. pl.): Athens
4. βοῦς ~ βοός (c.): ox, cow
5. οὖς ~ ὠτός (n.): ear
Here are the proverbs and sayings:
Ἐν οἴνῳ ἀλήθεια.
Ἅμαξα τὸν βοῦν ἕλκει.
Τῶν ὤτων ἔχω τὸν λύκον.
Plus some commentary:
Μὴ πῦρ ἐπὶ πῦρ.
Don't (add) fire to the fire.
The Greek saying is quoted by Plutarch, and we have a similar expression in English "adding fuel to the fire." In other words, making a bad situation worse, with the result that the fire might start to burn out of control. From this Greek root, we get English words like pyre and pyromaniac.
Ἐν οἴνῳ ἀλήθεια.
In wine (there is) truth.
Wine loosens people's tongues and, under the influence of the wine, they speak the truth, saying things they would not admit when they are sober. Compare the famous Latin saying, "In vino veritas."
Γλαῦκας εἰς Ἀθήνας.
(Bringing) owls to Athens.
This refers to a foolish effort: there's no need to bring owls to Athens because Athens is full of owls. The owls that lived in the Parthenon were a symbol of Athens, and the coins of Athens were stamped with owls (see below). Compare the English saying "Coals to Newcastle."
Ἅμαξα τὸν βοῦν ἕλκει.
The cart is pulling the ox.
Compare the English saying: "Don't put the cart before the horse."
Τῶν ὤτων ἔχω τὸν λύκον.
I've got the wolf by the ears.
I've got the wolf by the ears.
This refers to a no-win situation: it's dangerous to hold on, but it's also dangerous to let go! From this Greek root ὠτ- we get the English word otologist, an ear-doctor.
More about the coins of Athens: The Athenian Owl.
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