Idiom idiom
the early bird gets the worm
Meaning
The first people who arrive will get the best stuff
Examples
“I wake up at five because the early bird gets the worm.”
“If you want the best seats for the concert, get there early since the early bird gets the worm.”
“While others slept, the ambitious entrepreneur secured the contract, proving once again that the early bird gets the worm in a competitive market.”
Origin
first recorded 17th c.
first recorded 17th c.
English proverb recorded in William Camden's Remaines (1605) and John Ray's proverb collection (1670).
Last updated June 7, 2026