Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Shaving a bald head takes little time because there is almost no hair to remove. The proverb connects a quick result with the small amount of work required.
It can suggest that finishing quickly is less impressive when the task was slight to begin with. The ease of the job, rather than unusual skill, explains the speed.
- When it is used
Use it as a wry comment when a task is completed quickly chiefly because there was very little to do. It can gently qualify praise for a fast finish without denying that the work was done.
- Register
- proverbial
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: A bald head is soon shaven.