If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
If a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.
Meaning in plain English
Something worth doing is said to deserve being done well. The saying connects a worthwhile undertaking with care in its execution.
Example
A volunteer checks the essential details of a useful task without postponing it until perfection is possible.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Well need not mean perfect or endlessly polished. A responsible application considers the task’s purpose, available resources and adequate standard. An imperfect beginning can be worthwhile, and limited capacity is not evidence of indifference.
When to use it
Use this as an editorial reading of the source image, with its stated limits retained.
Keep in mind
No perfection requirement or unlimited effort obligation follows.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 303; PDF page 32; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗