haste makes waste

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "haste makes waste" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that working or doing things quickly and carelessly often results in mistakes. For example: "If you want to get this job done quickly, you need to slow down and take your time - remember, haste makes waste!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"The supervisors believe in the maxim that haste makes waste".

The New York Times

Out on the ledge, haste makes waste of my life.

The New York Times

The Brotherhood, he said, in time would make up its mind: "Haste makes waste".

The New York Times

I mean, haste makes waste — yet the early bird gets the worm.

The New York Times - Tech

"There seems to be an intention to speed up the process and, as you know, haste makes waste".

The New York Times

Innumerable blunders arise from ministers' ignoring the old saying "Haste makes waste".If officials and their ministerial bosses move constantly and typically lack expertise, it is hardly surprising that issues that could easily be dealt with are often neglected.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Haste makes waste--unless you're talking about nuclear power.

Huffington Post

The industry is painfully aware of a track record of haste making waste.

The New York Times

But clearly haste made waste — or, more specifically, fodder for anyone who thinks gun-control supporters are clueless.

The New York Times

Whether it's dictating or typing, the old adage of haste making waste is true, and in the case of texting, your haste may cause a miscommunication that you may not be able to take back.

Huffington Post

This is a place where haste makes incredible waste.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "haste makes waste" to caution against rushing into decisions or tasks without proper planning or consideration. It's particularly effective when offering advice or explaining the rationale behind a more deliberate approach.

Common error

Don't use "haste makes waste" as a justification for unnecessary delays or avoiding tasks altogether. The proverb encourages thoughtful action, not inaction.

Linguistic Context

The proverb "haste makes waste" functions as a warning against acting too quickly or rushing into things without proper planning. It serves as a reminder that taking the time to do something carefully often leads to better results in the long run. As Ludwig AI shows, this proverb is commonly used in everyday conversations, news articles, and even academic contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "haste makes waste" is a well-known proverb that cautions against rushing and encourages careful planning. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, ranging from news and media to everyday conversations. While generally applicable, it's important to avoid misinterpreting it as an excuse for procrastination. Alternatives like "look before you leap" or "slow and steady wins the race" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember that the proverb is most effective when advising others to prioritize quality and accuracy over speed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

look before you leap

This emphasizes foresight and planning to avoid negative consequences.

more haste, less speed

Focuses on how rushing can actually slow down progress due to mistakes.

slow and steady wins the race

This highlights the value of perseverance and consistency over quick bursts of effort.

patience is a virtue

This stresses the importance of remaining calm and composed to achieve better outcomes.

think before you act

This promotes thoughtful consideration as a means to avoid mistakes and regrettable actions.

carelessness leads to mistakes

This emphasizes the correlation between lack of attention and negative results.

rushing leads to errors

This highlights that acting too quickly often results in unwanted outcomes.

prudence pays off

This emphasizes the importance of taking care and making wise decisions in order to benefit from them later on.

act deliberately

This alternative highlights the necessity to execute things slowly and with attention.

measure twice, cut once

This emphasizes the benefits of preparation and planning to get it right the first time.

FAQs

How can I use "haste makes waste" in a sentence?

You can use "haste makes waste" to advise someone to slow down and be more careful, suggesting that rushing will lead to mistakes. For example, "I know you want to finish this quickly, but remember, "haste makes waste"".

What is the origin of the proverb "haste makes waste"?

The exact origin is uncertain, but the sentiment behind "haste makes waste" has been expressed in various forms throughout history, emphasizing the importance of careful planning and execution over rushing.

What can I say instead of "haste makes waste"?

You can use alternatives like "look before you leap", "more haste, less speed", or "slow and steady wins the race" depending on the specific context.

Is "haste makes waste" always true?

While generally a good principle, "haste makes waste" might not apply in every situation. In emergencies or time-sensitive scenarios, quick action, even if imperfect, might be necessary. However, in most deliberate tasks, careful planning prevents mistakes and inefficiency.