What is timeo danos et dona ferentes?

"Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" is a Latin phrase that translates to "I fear the Greeks even when they bring gifts." The phrase originates from the famous story of the Trojan Horse in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid. In the story, the Greeks left a giant wooden horse at the gates of Troy as a supposed gift, which the Trojans then brought into their city. However, hidden inside the horse were Greek soldiers who then emerged and sacked the city of Troy. This phrase is often used to warn against trusting apparent gifts or gestures of goodwill from potentially dangerous sources. It has become a common proverb to express caution and wariness towards hidden intentions.