A nimble ninepence is better than a slow shilling.
Meaning: Quick profit from small ventures outpaces sluggish returns from larger investments.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Perseverance
- The great Homer himself sometimes nods. — Even the most skilled and accomplished people occasionally make mistakes or lose focus.
- Doing nothing is the hardest work. — Idleness demands constant mental struggle against restlessness and guilt, making it parad…
- Old friends to meet, old wine to drink, and old wood to burn. — Cherished relationships and familiar comforts—people, drinks, and fires—improve with time…
- Old friends and old wine are best. — Enduring relationships and tried experiences improve with time, unlike novelty which ofte…
- Once well done is twice done. — Completing work carefully the first time eliminates the need for costly, time-consuming c…
- None is so wise but the fool overtakes him sometimes. — Even the cleverest person occasionally errs, while chance may grant unexpected advantage…
From our compliments & insults
- Sei una persona d'oro — You're genuinely wonderful — kind, trustworthy, and precious to have in one's life.
- Che spettacolo! — You look absolutely stunning — a spontaneous burst of admiration for someone's appearance.
- Du bist ein Goldstück — You're a real gem — priceless, irreplaceable, and deeply appreciated.