Are you looking for a way to tell someone they should take immediate action to resolve a problem, or do they risk it getting out of hand in the future? You could say 'a stitch in time saves nine.' This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression 'a stitch in time saves nine' means taking immediate action on a task prevents the need for more work later. The original use of 'stitch in time' involves the prompt sewing of small holes or tears in a garment, saving the need to do more stitching at a later date.
Example Usage
“Why don’t you get organized to make you more productive and efficient at work? A stitch in time saves nine, and with the right preparation, you’ll free up more hours in your day.”
“A stitch in time saves nine. Taking the time to plan properly always results in higher productivity and better results.”
“If you don’t need the bathroom, let’s skip this rest stop. A stitch in time saves nine, and we’ll get to the vacation spot an hour earlier without taking the break.”
“My mom told me that a stitch in time saves nine. I have no idea what she’s talking about. Why do old people always use these old-school sayings?”
“Didn’t anyone tell you ‘a stitch in time saves nine?’ If you don’t know what that means, I suggest you look into it.”
“A stitch in time saves nine. Stop what you’re doing right now and take action on the problem. If you don’t tend to it right now, it will cost you more time fixing it later.”
Origin
The expression 'a stitch in time saves nine' originates from 18th-century England. The original use of the phrase described prompt patching or sewing of small holes or tears in clothing or textile materials. Stitching it as soon as possible prevents the tear or hole from getting bigger, requiring more repair work in the future.
The phrase's first use refers to saving nine stitches in a repair job. However, this proverbial saying went on to describe any situation where taking immediate action to remedy it results in fewer problems down the road.
A stitch in time saves nine first appears in 'Gnomologia: A Collection of the Proverbs, Maxims, and Adages' by Thomas Fuller. However, the term received mainstream adoption after appearing in Benjamin Franklin and Poor Richard's Almanack, published in 1732, where it appears as follows.
"A Stitch in Time May save nine."
Phrases Similar to A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
- Be productive and efficient with your time.
- Time and tide wait for no man.
Phrases Opposite to A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
- Take your time.
- No rush.
What is the Correct Saying?
- A stich in time saves nine.
- A stitch in time.
Ways People May Say A Stitch in Time Saves Nine Incorrectly
The modern meaning of this idiomatic expression has nothing o do with stitches, clothing, or wounds. It’s a way to tell people to be more careful with their time and planning. Using the phrase to describe haberdashery or injury treatments is incorrect.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
You can use a stitch in time saves nine’ when you want to tell someone to complete a task now to save time later. The phrase suits professional and social use. You could use it at work to tell your staff to remain proactive and identify problems before they become serious. You could use it at home to describe how packing the night before your trip saves you time and energy in the morning.
The phrase ‘a stitch in time saves nine’ is a well-known idiomatic expression in English-speaking countries and communities. However, many poles use the shorter version of the term, ‘a stitch in time,’ without adding the rest of the saying. You can use the phrase when you want to tell people they should adjust their strategy to be more efficient.