Haste makes waste.
Haste makes waste.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes haste produce waste. It warns that rushing may undermine the result or require work to be done again.
Example
A team checks a critical detail before sending work rather than rushing into a preventable correction.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The rhyme makes the cause-and-result claim memorable. A qualified application can concern taking enough care for a particular task, while recognising that timely action can also be necessary. The words do not establish that every fast action is careless or every slow method efficient.
When to use it
Use it to discuss appropriate care under time pressure.
Keep in mind
Speed does not always cause waste, and delay can also be costly.
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 105; PDF page 19
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Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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