The phrase "ancient phrase" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a saying or expression that has been in existence for a long time, often with historical or cultural significance.
Example: "The ancient phrase 'know thyself' has been attributed to various philosophers throughout history."
Alternatives: "old saying" or "time-honored expression".
"Do as I say, not as I do," floats out that ancient phrase possibly from John Heywood's 1546 A dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect of All the Prouerbes in the Englishe Tongue - "It is as folke dooe, and not as folke say".
The natural properties are those that, to use an ancient phrase, carve nature at the joints.
Everything in moderation: Nothing holds more truth than this ancient phrase which reminds us to calm exaggerative tendencies.
"It is an ancient phrase, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, which suggests two options on spelling," he told the Mail on Sunday.
I am certain we never thought that all those years ago in a small classroom off a side hallway, that we would recall an ancient phrase after a wedding in a palm tree lined setting far away from that classroom.
But then this shared code of ancient phrases and lore allows them to become murderers.
It was an ancient Taoist phrase: Do Nothing.
The film was inspired by Carl Jung's work (specifically "Anima and Animus") and the ancient Greek phrase "Gnothi Seauton," which translates to the clip's title, "Know Thyself".
After his squadron was directed to assist in repelling the invading Japanese fleet with its one serviceable bomber, and to keep its damaged airfield open, Lerew signalled headquarters with the ancient Latin phrase supposedly used by gladiators honouring their Emperor: "Morituri vos salutamus" ("We who are about to die salute you").
The following day, North-Eastern Area headquarters signalled Lerew to keep his airfield open, to which Lerew, with only two Wirraways left, replied using the legendary ancient gladiatorial phrase to honour an Emperor: "Morituri vos salutamus" ("We who are about to die salute you").
Ancient Latin phrases Massa Damnata (the masses will be damned) and Extra Ecclesiam Nulla Salus (outside the church there is no salvation) were coined to express the orthodox position.
