a stitch in time
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a stitch in time (saves nine)
proverb A prompt, decisive action taken now will prevent problems later. You should consider getting your car repaired now before you're left stranded on the side of the road—a stitch in time saves nine. I know it's a month away, but I already started preparing for the big dinner party. A stitch in time, you know. A: "I can't believe you always start your Christmas shopping over the summer." B: "You should try it—a stitch in time saves nine!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a stitch in time
If someone says a stitch in time, they mean that it is better to deal with a problem in its early stages, in order to prevent it getting worse. As for the paintwork, paint over any small areas that have flaked off and save yourself a bigger job later on. A stitch in time. Note: This expression comes from the proverb a stitch in time saves nine, which can also be used in full. Meanwhile, it was announced that interest rates were rising now to prevent bigger rises later. It was, said Mr George, a case of `a stitch in time saves nine'.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
a stitch in time
if you sort out a problem immediately, it may save a lot of extra work later. proverbThe fuller form of the expression is a stitch in time saves nine. Nine here has no particular significance as a number but was chosen because of its similarity in sound with the word time .
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
a ˌstitch in ˈtime (saves ˈnine)
(saying) if you act immediately when something goes wrong, it will save you a lot more work later, because the problem will get worse if you leave it: We’d better fix that leak before it does any permanent damage. A stitch in time...Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017