Measure twice, cut once
Meaning
This proverb advises thorough planning and careful verification before taking irreversible action to avoid mistakes.
Origin
Before the age of precision machinery, every cut mattered. A carpenter or tailor, working with expensive wood or fabric, knew that a misplaced saw stroke or scissor snip could ruin a project and waste precious materials. The phrase embodies generations of hard-won wisdom from workshops and craft benches—a master teaching an apprentice: take your time, verify your measurements, because once the material is cut, there's no turning back. This simple, visual maxim became the bedrock of careful craftsmanship, ensuring that patience and thoroughness preceded irreversible action.
Examples
- Before you submit that final report, remember to measure twice, cut once and double-check all your figures.
- My grandpa always told me to measure twice, cut once when doing any home repairs, and it's saved me a lot of hassle over the years.