haste makes waste

H

haste makes waste (proverb)
/ˈheɪst meɪks weɪst/

Meaning

1. If you do things too quickly, you can make mistakes.
2. Acting too quickly often leads to mistakes and wasted effort.
3. Doing things in a hurry usually causes poor results that require rework.
4. Proceeding without care or attention can spoil the task and waste resources.

Synonyms: impatience; rashness; carelessness; recklessness; sloppiness.

Example Sentences

1. He tried to fix the leak in a hurry, but haste makes waste and it got worse.
2. Try not to rush through things, even though you are in a hurry. After all, haste makes waste.
3. She rushed through the project and learned that haste makes waste.
4. Skipping safety checks proved that haste makes waste in the workshop.

Origin and History

The wisdom captured in the phrase “haste makes waste” is incredibly old, with the core idea appearing in various forms across different cultures long before the exact wording became common. One of the earliest reflections of this sentiment can be found in the Book of Wisdom, an ancient text dating back to around 190 BC. This suggests that people recognized the pitfalls of rushing and the benefits of careful deliberation for thousands of years.

Earliest Printed Record

The phrase “Haste maketh waste” is first documented in the 1542 English translation of Apophthegmes by Erasmus—translated by Nicholas Udall—where it appears in the index, even though the actual proverb does not appear in the body of the text.

Shortly thereafter, in 1546, John Heywood included the phrase in his glossary A Dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the Prouerbes in the Englishe tongue, clearly using it in the text:

“Show after weddyng that haste maketh waste.”

A Look at Other Possible Origins

Some theories suggest the proverb’s origins might be linked to Latin phrases, given the significant influence of Latin on the English language during the Middle Ages. Phrases emphasizing the importance of careful action over rushed efforts were prevalent in Latin literature. While a direct translation might not exist, the underlying principle could have been absorbed and adapted into English vernacular.

Another perspective is that the proverb arose from practical observations in various crafts and trades. In fields like carpentry, masonry, or even cooking, rushing a task often leads to errors, necessitating rework, and ultimately wasting materials and time. This common-sense realization could have independently led to similar expressions emerging in different communities before converging into the widely accepted “haste makes waste.”

Global Parallels

The widespread nature of this wisdom is evident in similar proverbs found in many other languages and cultures. For instance, the Dutch have “Haast en spoed is zelden goed” (Haste and speed are seldom good), and the Germans say “Eile mit Weile” (Hurry with leisure). These parallels suggest that the experience of rushed efforts leading to suboptimal outcomes is a universal human observation, reinforcing the idea that the proverb’s origin is less about a single point of creation and more about a shared understanding across humanity.

Country of Origin

The proverb “haste makes waste” originated in England in the early 16th century.

Variants

1. great haste makes great waste
2. more haste, less speed
3. the hurrier I go, the behinder I get
4. act in haste
5. repent at leisure
6. make haste slowly

Proverbs, Quick

Last update: July 31, 2025 2:24 AM