I fear the Greeks, even when they bring gifts.

Summary

This quote by Virgil signifies wariness and skepticism towards apparent gestures of goodwill. It originates from the story of the Trojan Horse, in which the Greeks presented the Trojans with a colossal wooden horse as a peace offering during the Trojan War. However, hidden Greek soldiers emerged from the horse at night to open the gates for the rest of their army, leading to the fall of Troy. The quote reflects the idea that even when people or situations seem benign or trustworthy, it is crucial to approach them with caution, as they may conceal ulterior motives or hidden dangers.

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