Good things come to those who wait.
Good things come to those who wait.
Meaning in plain English
The saying promises good things to people who wait. It encourages patience when a result has not yet arrived.
Example
Someone allows reasonable time for a reply while checking whether another practical step is needed.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Come makes delay sound as if it will be rewarded. A responsible interpretation can support patience without guaranteeing an eventual benefit or suggesting that waiting replaces needed action. The phrase does not define the result, the time required or whether continued waiting is appropriate.
When to use it
Use it as qualified encouragement toward patience.
Keep in mind
Waiting alone guarantees neither a good outcome nor a suitable timescale.
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 395; PDF page 59
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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