Would you like to tell someone that it's time to go to sleep early so that they can get up earlier in the morning and feel refreshed for what they are going to face the next day? The phrase 'early to bed early to rise' is a common English language saying that can be used to mean just that. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this phrase.
Meaning
The phrase 'early to bed, early to rise' is a common English language saying that implies someone will be more successful the next day if they go to sleep early the day before.
The saying 'early to bed, early to rise' is often used in reference to someone's existing routine, or as a piece of advice for someone else's routine.
Sometimes the phrase can be used by someone to announce that they are about to go to bed or sleep early so that they can get up the next day.
The phrase is common for people who have working routines that start early the next day.
Sometimes the phrase is used as a greeting or exit amongst a group of friends that implies the party is about to end, or one participant of the party is leaving earlier than everyone else.
The phrase 'early to bed early to rise' can be used with punctuation or without, the meaning of the phrase remains the same and most usages are valid. The phrase can be written as 'early to bed, early to rise' or as 'early to bed (early to rise)'.
The phrase can be said to someone in conversation, but might also be used as a self-reference.
Example Usage
“I had to quit the party early or I was going to be a wreck at work the very next day. Early to bed, early to rise. That's how I prefer to do things, and the best thing about it is not getting fired.”
“Early to bed and early to rise, that's what I'm going to say to people if they ask me how I managed to write a book one more time.”
“The only way to do things if you have three kids is early to bed and early to rise. You'll drive yourself crazy if you don't.”
“Early to bed and early to rise, that's the rule at the Hilton Hotel if you're staying there with your boss on business. Remember that you are not there to have fun.”
Origin
The phrase 'early to bed, early to rise' is given by most language resources as having originated in the early-1700s with the popular use by Benjamin Franklin.
While some resources have disputed this, most seem to agree that the phrase originated with the diary of Benjamin Franklin, who considered going to bed early (just to get up early the next day) part of the key to his wealth.
The concept 'early to bed, early to rise' would later be republished by other authors, and perhaps become used enough for the origin of the phrase to become obscured.
With the translation of the phrase, it has become even more popular as an international reference that makes sense even with the direct translation into most other languages.
Phrases Similar to Early to Bed Early to Rise
- The early bird catches the worm
Phrases Opposite to Early to Bed Early to Rise
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Early to bed early to rise
Ways People May Say Early to Bed Early to Rise Incorrectly
The phrase 'early to bed, early to rise' can be misunderstood if the phrase is translated into a language that has no equivalent for the phrase.
The phrase can be punctuated in the wrong way by the speaker, or its meaning can be misunderstood by the group or person it is being said to.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Early to Bed Early to Rise
The phrase 'early to bed, early to rise' is used to refer to someone's routine, or as advice for someone's routine.