The phrase “Κάλλιο αργά παρά ποτέ” which literally translates into “Better late than never", is a Greek proverb widely used to say that although someone has not been able to do something at the time when he/she should, he/she should do it even late than not do it at all.

Folk tradition wants Socrates to have said a similar phrase.

It is said that when, the philosopher decided to learn guitar at an old age, his friends teased him, telling him: "Γέρων ών κίθαριν μανθάνεις?", which means "although you are an old man, do you learn how to play guitar?"

And Socrates then replied: "Κάλλιον οψιμαθής ή αμαθής (παραμένειν)". Which means that it is better to learn something even late, than remain ignorant.

Greeks use the phrase whenever someone asks them or tells them that they are doing something very late. The reply is always: better late than never.