Haste over nothing but catching fleas.

The saying advises against rushing ordinary tasks. It treats haste as rarely worthwhile, reserving it humorously for a small, fleeting target that may escape at once.

It encourages slowing down before acting when speed offers no clear benefit. Careful timing and measured action are preferable to needless hurry that can produce mistakes.

Use it to caution someone who is hurrying through a decision or task without a real deadline. Its playful image can soften a reminder to pause and proceed more carefully.