a stitch in time saves nine

idiom

Meaning

Fix the problem now because it will get worse later

Origin

first recorded 18th c.

First recorded in Thomas Fuller's Gnomologia (1732); from sewing — mending a small tear promptly saves nine stitches later.

Examples

SIMPLE

Fix that small leak now because a stitch in time saves nine.

CONTEXTUAL

You should repair your car's brakes today, as a stitch in time saves nine and prevents a much more expensive bill later.

COMPLEX

The manager insisted on addressing the minor technical glitch immediately, reminding the team that a stitch in time saves nine when dealing with complex software systems.

Last updated June 7, 2026