Better late than never

Definitions

• emphasize the importance of completing a task or achieving a goal, even if it is delayed
  Encouraging someone to finish a task or reach a goal, regardless of the time it takes to do so, as long as it is eventually accomplished.

• justify a delay or tardiness
  To explain or justify being late or taking longer than expected to complete something, by highlighting that it is still better than not doing it at all.

Examples of Better late than never

• The project was supposed to be submitted last week, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we were unable to complete it on time. However, we assure you that it will be submitted as soon as possible, and the delay will not compromise the quality of the work.

  This idiom is commonly used to acknowledge a situation where someone is arriving or completing a task later than expected, but it is still better than not arriving or completing it at all. The implication is that it is preferable to arrive or complete something late rather than not arrive or complete it at all, as it shows that effort has been made, even if it is not on time. In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that the project will be submitted later than expected, but they are still committed to completing it and delivering it as soon as possible. The delay is not ideal, but it is better than not submitting the project at all.

Conclusion

The idiom "better late than never" is commonly used to emphasize the importance of completing a task or achieving a goal, even if it is delayed. It can be used to encourage someone to finish a task or reach a goal, regardless of the time it takes to do so, as long as it is eventually accomplished. It can also be used to justify a delay or tardiness by highlighting that it is still better than not doing it at all.

Origin of "Better late than never"

The phrase "better late than never" has been used since at least the 16th century, with the earliest recorded use being in a book by John Heywood in 1546. It is believed to have originated from a Latin phrase "potius sero quam numquam," which translates to "better late than never." However, the exact origins of the phrase in English are unclear.

Some sources suggest that the phrase may have been derived from a French proverb, "mieux vaut tard que jamais," which translates to "better late than never." Others believe it may have originated from a Spanish phrase, "antes tarde que nunca," which also means "better late than never." Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom has become a common expression in many languages, highlighting the universal understanding of its meaning.

The phrase is often used in situations where there has been a delay in completing a task or achieving a goal, but the end result is still considered positive. It can also be used to encourage someone who may be feeling discouraged or behind schedule to continue working towards their goal. In some cases, it may also be used in a lighthearted manner to justify being late or delayed in a particular situation. Overall, the idiom "better late than never" serves as a reminder to persevere and continue working towards a goal, even if it takes longer than expected.