
ProverbPerseverance
English origin
If things were to be done twice, all would be wise.
Meaning: Hindsight reveals mistakes, but life allows no rehearsals—act carefully the first time.
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.
Explore another collection: Idioms
Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.
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- wet behind the ears Young and inexperienced.
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