Idiom idiom
well begun is half done
Meaning
Getting a good start is important
Examples
“I prepare my tools first because well begun is half done.”
“She spent the whole morning organizing her notes, believing that well begun is half done for her research project.”
“The architect insisted on perfecting the initial blueprints, reminding his team that well begun is half done when constructing such a complex building.”
Origin
disputed origin
disputed origin
An ancient proverb quoted by Aristotle; Horace's version is 'dimidium facti qui coepit habet' (he who has begun has the work half done).
Last updated June 7, 2026