proverb · Words worth keeping
The hindermost dog may catch the hare.
The hindermost dog may catch the hare.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A person who begins behind others may still obtain the desired result. The trailing-dog image leaves room for changed circumstances and a later opportunity, without guaranteeing a reversal or making preparation and timely action irrelevant.
Example
A late-joining participant catches up with an agreed project stage after receiving the shared notes and choosing a manageable part of the work.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The dog at the back is not excluded from the possibility of catching the hare. May is central: the saying opens a possibility rather than predicting that the last participant will succeed. Applied to a task or competition, an early disadvantage need not settle every later outcome. Conditions, methods or available help may change. This provides a different emphasis from the saying that the foremost dog catches the hare. Neither image determines a real contest. The useful response looks at what remains possible now and which practical action could improve the situation, rather than accepting the starting order as a final verdict or waiting for a promised reversal.
When to use it
Use it when an initial disadvantage is being mistaken for a settled final outcome.
Keep in mind
Possible recovery is not guaranteed; assess current conditions, practical steps and available support.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English