ENGLISH
REFERENCE

haste makes waste

idiom
Meaning

You'll make mistakes if you rush through something


Origin

first recorded 16th c.

English proverb recorded in John Heywood's collection (1546); the sentiment appears earlier in Chaucer.

Examples
SIMPLE

Take your time with the painting, because haste makes waste.

CONTEXTUAL

I rushed through my homework and got every answer wrong, proving that haste makes waste.

COMPLEX

The manager reminded the team that haste makes waste, urging them to double-check the data before submitting the final report to the board.

Last updated June 7, 2026