Better a mistake at the beginning than at the end.
Better a mistake at the beginning than at the end.
Meaning in plain English
An early mistake preferred to a late one highlights the possible advantage of discovering a problem while there is time to respond. It values timely correction.
Example
A team reviews a draft early enough to address a discovered problem before later work depends on it.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The comparison depends on the task and consequences; not every early mistake is harmless or easy to fix. A useful application creates opportunities for review without deliberately causing errors. The supplied end-is-hard gloss is a possible practical reason rather than a universal rule.
When to use it
Use it to discuss timely detection and correction.
Keep in mind
No universal harmless beginning or unrepairable ending is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 983; PDF page 137
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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