Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-13
Meaning: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Rushing can cause mistakes that obstruct the very progress a person wants to make. The image presents haste as tripping itself: hurried action creates its own setback.
The warning applies to hurried work as well as impulsive choices. Its point is to take enough care to avoid preventable errors, rather than to treat speed itself as a fault.
- When it is used
Use it to caution someone whose hurry risks undermining their work or decision. It can also serve as a comment after a rushed action causes an avoidable mistake or delay.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Haste trips up its own heels.