absit omen

/ ˈæbsɪt ˈəʊmɛn /

(no translation)

1. may the presentiment not become real or take place

Word History and Origins

Origin of absit omen¹

literally: may the (evil) omen be absent

Example Sentences

The roar deepens and increases, and by-and-bye, leaning over the rail of the steamer, they can see the rhythmic flash of oars in the sunshine, and nearer and nearer come the two boats, with the Umpire's launch fussing along just behind them, and the four steamers which follow the race in the background, the Cambridge steamer—absit omen!—some way behind the rest.

From Project Gutenberg

I am having—absit omen!—a very decent little summer.

From Project Gutenberg

"Absit omen," remarked Uncle James, and the others laughed, but his wife paid no attention to him.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not that the rules are unknown; they are simple, short, ready to hand, and intelligible; but the penalty that may be exacted for breaking any of them is a terribly heavy one—absit omen.

From Project Gutenberg

To the Romans, a sneeze was an important omen, to be warded off with: "Absit omen."

From Time Magazine Archive