Time is a gentleman — time eventually reveals the truth and rights wrongs. The most reliable judge of all things is time itself.
The Piedmontese version of this proverb shares its essential meaning with the Milanese el temp l'è galantom but carries a slightly different cultural weight. In Turin, the galantuom (man of honour) had a very specific meaning drawn from the Savoy court tradition and the Risorgimento: he was the man who kept his word absolutely, who paid his debts, who fulfilled every undertaking regardless of the cost. Applied to time, the proverb suggests that time operates with the reliability of the highest human standard. In the Langhe and Monferrato, where wine aged slowly and reputations were built over decades, this patience was not merely philosophical but commercially necessary. The wine merchant who held his Barolo for the full term was rewarded; the winemaker who held his reputation for quality through a bad vintage was remembered for his integrity.
Piedmontese version of the universal proverb. The galantuom figure comes from the Savoy court tradition and the Risorgimento, where men of honour were defined by absolute fidelity to their word.
A Turin businessman after being publicly accused of something false
Non rispondo alle accuse. Al temp a l'è 'n galantuom — tra un anno la verità sarà chiara a tutti.
I do not respond to the accusations. Time is a gentleman — in a year the truth will be clear to everyone.
A Langhe winemaker on ageing his Barolo
Tengo il vino in cantina il tempo che vuole. Al temp a l'è 'n galantuom — quando è pronto, lo so.
I keep the wine in the cellar for as long as it wants. Time is a gentleman — when it is ready, I know.
A Piedmontese architect after a building is criticised
All'inaugurazione non piaceva a nessuno. Al temp a l'è 'n galantuom — adesso è protetto come monumento.
At the opening nobody liked it. Time is a gentleman — now it is protected as a monument.
A Torinese mother advising her son after a failed relationship
Stai male adesso. Al temp a l'è 'n galantuom — tra sei mesi vedrai le cose diversamente.
You are hurting now. Time is a gentleman — in six months you will see things differently.