Ancient Greece is full of intriguing phrases and idioms that carry deep historical and cultural significance. One such phrase is “I am sending an owl into Athens”, a saying cherished by historians, classicists, and enthusiasts of Greek history for centuries.

But what does it really mean, and why did the owl, a seemingly simple bird, become a symbol so potent in ancient Greek culture?

The phrase “I am sending an owl into Athens” originates from the extensive symbolic use of the bird in Athenian society. In classical antiquity, the owl was closely associated with Athena, the goddess of wisdom, warfare, and the patron deity of Athens.

Owls were seen as symbols of knowledge, strategy, and vigilance, making them a natural emblem for a city that prided itself on democracy, philosophy, and learning.

In practical terms, «I am sending an owl into Athens» was used to describe a situation where someone tries to explain something to a person who already has extensive knowledge of the subject.

For example, imagine a fan approaching Cristiano Ronaldo, attempting to tell him when and how to speed up near the opponent’s goal. Cristiano could legitimately reply: “You are sending an owl into Athens.”