Time and tide waits for no man.
Time and tide waits for no man.
Meaning in plain English
Time and tide not waiting gives passing conditions an image of movement beyond an individual’s control. The saying reminds a reader that opportunities can change.
Example
Someone checks a real deadline and plans around it instead of assuming conditions will remain the same.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The image is not tidal forecasting or a demand for constant urgency. A useful application considers relevant timing while allowing rest, realistic limits and careful decisions. Some opportunities can be revisited; the saying does not prove that delay always causes irreversible loss.
When to use it
Use it to notice changing conditions without manufacturing urgency.
Keep in mind
No universal deadline, physical forecast or blame for every delay is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
Denmark · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 758; PDF page 69; collection label: Denmark
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.
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