the early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Those who act first or get up early get the best chances.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “We got the best seats by arriving at seven; the early bird catches the worm.”
Category: Animals
Origin: Birds that start feeding at dawn find the most worms. The proverb is recorded from the 17th century, in John Ray's collection (1670).
Equivalents in other languages
- Swahili: Mgaagaa na upwa hali wali mkavu — literally: One who roams the shore won't eat dry rice
More idioms — Animals
- a monkey's wedding — A sunshower, when rain falls while the sun shines.
- as scarce as hen's teeth — Extremely rare.
- like a headless chicken — In a frantic, disorganized way.
- Ça ne casse pas trois pattes à un canard — It's nothing special or impressive.
- Avoir le cafard — To feel depressed or down.
- Poser un lapin — To stand someone up on a date.
More English idioms
- good things come to those who wait — Patience is rewarded.
- the penny drops — Someone finally understands something.
- change one's tune — To change one's opinion or behavior, usually suddenly.
- call someone every name under the sun — To insult someone furiously with every abusive word one can think of.
- empty vessels make the most noise — The people with the least knowledge often talk the most.
- live beyond one's means — To spend more money than one earns.
From our untranslatable words
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- Utepils — The specific pleasure of sitting outside in the sun and drinking a beer — a ritual that f…