Idiom idiom
a stitch in time saves nine
Meaning
Fix the problem now because it will get worse later
Examples
“Fix that small leak now because a stitch in time saves nine.”
“You should repair your car's brakes today, as a stitch in time saves nine and prevents a much more expensive bill later.”
“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.”
Origin
first recorded 18th c.
first recorded 18th c.
First recorded in Thomas Fuller's Gnomologia (1732); from sewing — mending a small tear promptly saves nine stitches later.
Last updated June 7, 2026