First come, first served
Meaning: Opportunities go to those who arrive early.
Origin: English proverb from the 16th century, used by Henry Brinklow in 1545.
Translations
- French: Premier arrivé, premier servi (literally: First arrived, first served)
- Spanish: El que primero llega, primero come (literally: The first to arrive eats first)
- Japanese: 先着順 (Senchaku jun) (literally: Order of arrival)
More proverbs about Wisdom
- A fool and his money are soon parted — Foolish people quickly lose their wealth.
- The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is now — The right time to act is always now, no matter how late it feels.
- To know the road ahead, ask those coming back — Learn from people with experience before embarking on an unfamiliar path.
- The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists — Flexibility and adaptability are greater strengths than rigid resistance.
- When the student is ready, the teacher will appear — Learning happens when one is truly open and prepared to receive knowledge.
- He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask remains a fool forever — Admitting ignorance and seeking knowledge is always wiser than pretending to understand.
Loading the full interactive collection…