The beginning is half of every action

Meaning: Starting something difficult is the hardest part; once begun, completion comes more naturally.

Origin: Ancient Greek proverb (ἀρχὴ ἥμισυ παντός), attributed to Plato, Pythagoras, and Aristotle.

Translations

• French: Commencer, c'est déjà à moitié faire (literally: To begin is already halfway to doing)
• Spanish: Empezar es la mitad de cada acción (literally: Beginning is half of every action)
• Japanese: 始まりはすべての行為の半分 (Hajimari wa subete no kōi no hanbun) (literally: The beginning is half of every action)

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…