PhrasesHub

Early bird

    Definitions

      • encourage hard work and diligence
        Imply that those who are proactive and put in effort early on will reap the rewards and benefits later on

      • time management
        Suggest that being punctual and starting tasks early leads to better productivity and success

    Examples of Early bird

    • The early bird catches the worm.

      This idiom is used to encourage people to be punctual and take advantage of opportunities as soon as they arise. It suggests that those who act quickly and efficiently will be rewarded with success, while those who delay may miss out.

    • Jane is an early bird when it comes to networking. She always arrives at events early and has already made several valuable connections by the time the program begins.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's proactive and efficient approach to networking, implying that they are likely to reap the benefits of their efforts.

    • The company offers an early bird discount for customers who sign up for its services before a certain date.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in a business context, encouraging customers to take advantage of a promotional offer by acting quickly.

    • I'm an early bird when it comes to exercise. I prefer to hit the gym before work, when it's less crowded and I can focus on my routine without distractions.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe someone's preference for completing a task early in the day, implying that they are disciplined and focused.

    • The team's early bird strategy paid off, as they were able to secure a major contract before their competitors even knew it was available.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used to describe a successful outcome resulting from taking advantage of an opportunity early on.


    Conclusion

    This idiom is commonly used to emphasize the importance of hard work, diligence, and time management. It implies that those who are proactive and start tasks early will have a better chance of achieving success and reaping rewards.

    Origin of "Early bird"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to a Latin proverb "the early bird catches the worm." This proverb was first recorded in the 17th century and was later popularized in English in the 19th century.

    The metaphor of the early bird catching the worm is based on the idea that birds that wake up early in the morning have a better chance of finding food, specifically worms, which are easier to catch when the ground is still damp from the morning dew. This idea was then applied to human behavior, emphasizing the importance of starting tasks early to increase chances of success.

    This idiom is often used in a literal sense, but it can also be used figuratively to encourage people to be proactive and diligent in their work or to manage their time effectively. It serves as a reminder that success often requires hard work and dedication.