Explaining "He who hesitates is lost"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 29/10/2024, 14:35

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase "He who hesitates is lost" means that delaying or being indecisive in taking action can lead to missed opportunities or negative consequences.

Tone

Advisory and cautionary

Origin

This adage is adapted from a line in Joseph Addison's 1712 play "Cato: a Tragedy". In the play, Marcia, the daughter of Roman senator Cato the Younger, says, "The woman who deliberates is lost."

Examples of usage

John missed the opportunity because he took too long to decide; he who hesitates is lost.
Sarah finally learned that he who hesitates is lost when she waited too long to apply for her dream job, and it was taken by someone else.
In the fast-paced world of trading, he who hesitates is lost as the market waits for no one.