# haste makes waste

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/haste-makes-waste
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

You'll make mistakes if you rush through something

## Examples

- Take your time with the painting, because haste makes waste.
- I rushed through my homework and got every answer wrong, proving that haste makes waste.
- The manager reminded the team that haste makes waste, urging them to double-check the data before submitting the final report to the board.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.