Latin quote · Power
Longa manus
“Long hand.”
Latin phrase
Translation
What does “Longa manus” mean?
Longa manus translates as “Long hand.”
It describes a person or entity acting as an extension of another’s power, like an agent or puppet. It is used for someone who carries out another’s will.
Origin
The story behind it
A Latin expression used in Italian, Spanish and Portuguese legal and political language.
When to use it
How to use “Longa manus”
Fits a political commentary on who really pulls the strings.
- Latin
- Longa manus
- English
- Long hand.
- Source
- Latin phrase
- Era
- Legal Latin
- Theme
- Power
Keep reading
Related Latin quotes
Duceris ut nervis alienis mobile lignum
You are led about like a wooden puppet moved by someone else’s strings.
Meaning & origin →
Aegroto, dum anima est, spes esse dicitur
As long as a sick person has breath, there is said to be hope.
Meaning & origin →
Quod quis per alium fecit, ipse fecisse putatur
What someone does through another, he is considered to have done himself.
Meaning & origin →
One Latin line. Every Monday.
A quote, its translation and the story behind it, free in your inbox.