He that reckons without his host must reckon again.
Meaning: Failing to consult those involved in plans leads to miscalculation and necessary revision.
Origin: Someone who adds up the bill without consulting the innkeeper will find the innkeeper's total is higher. The phrase dates from the 15th century and means that plans made without consulting the people involved will have to be redone.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, German, and Italian
- French: Qui compte sans son hôte, compte deux fois (literally: He that reckons without his host must reckon again)
- Spanish: Quien hace la cuenta sin la huéspeda, la hace dos veces. (literally: He who does the reckoning without the hostess does it twice.)
- German: Die Rechnung ohne den Wirt machen (literally: To make the bill without the innkeeper)
- Italian: Chi fa il conto senza l’oste, gli convien farlo due volte (literally: He that reckons without his host must reckon again)
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