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Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Meaning: Optimism should be balanced with practical preparation.

Origin: English proverb from the 19th century, roots in Benjamin Disraeli's writings.

Translations

  • French: Espérer le meilleur, se préparer au pire (literally: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst)
  • Spanish: Espera lo mejor, prepárate para lo peor (literally: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst)
  • Japanese: 備えあれば憂いなし (Sonae areba urei nashi) (literally: If prepared, there is no worry)

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