Have you seen the phrase 'better late than never' somewhere on the internet or in a text and want to know more about what it could mean? The saying 'better late than never' is a common figurative saying in the English language. This post unpacks the meaning, origin and proper use of the saying.
Meaning
The saying 'better late than never' is a phrase that can be used to mean that it is better for something to happen later than intended (or wanted) than it is for something to not have happened at all.
If someone says the phrase 'better late than never' it is sometimes used a statement to defend something that has happened later than it was expected, or to point the fact out that something is late in the first place.
The phrase is sometimes used as a means of acceptance, implying that it is good that something happened at all, rather than not.
The phrase can be used as a statement, and use of the phrase 'better late than never' is less common as a question although it can also technically be phrased as a question to someone that implies something has happened late.
A common similar phrase in the English language is 'better out than in', which often refers to the forced expulsion of something, often undesirably and from the human body.
The phrase is sometimes used with sarcastic or humorous implications although this is not always the case when the saying is used. The phrase can also be used with implications of defeat in the same way as 'oh, well' might be used.
Example Usage
“He delivered the cake to the venue about five minute before their vows were supposed to be said, but that's better late than never.”
“The news desks were only informed of what happened ten minutes after the train hit the city square, but I guess it's better late than never.”
“I got to sleep at midnight, but better late than never, right?”
“I only learned how to program in C+ somewhere in my late fifties. You know what they say: better late than never.”
Origin
The origin of the phrase 'better late than never' is not from English, even though the phrase has become an expression that is most popular in the English language.
The saying 'better late than never' is a saying that originates from Latin, and it was first said as 'sero quam nunquam' which is a direct translation of the same.
The phrase first appeared in the ancient Titus Livius book History of Rome.
After the phrase appeared here, it was translated into several languages with the saying taking off in the English language.
The phrase would continue wth use, well into the 21st century with the meaning largely unchanged since the saying came to be in the first place.
Phrases Similar to Better Late Than Never
- Oh well
Phrases Opposite to Better Late Than Never
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Better late than never
Ways People May Say Better Late Than Never Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'better late than never' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the saying when it is used.
'Better late than never' has sarcastic, humorous or serious implications – and the context is most often stated in the discussion.
'Better late than never' cannot be used in the denial form.
The phrase 'better than than never' does not always translate well as a direct saying into other languages.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Better Late Than Never
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'better late than never'.
The phrase can be used as a direct reference to someone, or said about someone. The phrase can be used with serious, sarcastic or defeated implications by the speaker.