Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-12
Meaning: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Acting too quickly can cause avoidable loss. That loss may create need, and need may then place damaging pressure on a household relationship.
The saying presents haste as the start of a chain of consequences, urging care before action because mistakes can grow into material hardship and conflict.
- When it is used
Use it to caution someone against rushing a task, purchase, or decision when preventable mistakes could bring loss and later strain at home.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Haste makes waste, and waste makes want, and want makes strife between the good man and his wife.