1.
haste makes waste; more haste, less speed; slow and steady wins the race
A proverb advising that when in a hurry, it's better to take a safer, longer route than to risk a shortcut that might cause problems.
Etymology
Literally "if you hurry, go around." When you're in a rush, taking the longer but safer route is better than risking a shortcut that might lead to delays or failure.
From a classical Japanese poem by 宗長 (Sōchō), a poet of the Muromachi period. The original context referred to crossing Lake Biwa (琵琶湖): when in a hurry, take the land route around the lake rather than risk the dangerous boat crossing.
Usage
Close English equivalents
- Haste makes waste
- More haste, less speed
- Slow and steady wins the race
- The longest way round is the shortest way home
Used to advise patience and careful planning, especially when someone wants to take a risky shortcut.