“A stitch in time saves nine”: meaning, origin and examples
What it means
The phrase means that taking care of a problem promptly, while it is still small, can prevent it from becoming much larger and more difficult to fix later.
Tone Practical and advisory
Where it comes from
The phrase is believed to date back to the early 18th century. It refers to the idea that sewing a small tear in fabric promptly can prevent the need for more extensive repairs later, as delaying the repair might cause the tear to worsen.
Examples
- Don’t procrastinate on fixing that leak in the roof; remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
- I know it’s a hassle to deal with now, but a stitch in time saves nine.
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