Marry in haste, repent at leisure

Definitions

discourage someone
Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit
warn about the consequences of impulsive decisions
Highlight the potential regret or unhappiness that may result from making a decision without careful consideration

Examples of Marry in haste, repent at leisure

After meeting Sam at a party, Sarah couldn't resist his charm and impulsively agreed to marry him the very next day.

Sarah's decision to marry Sam in a rush, without proper contemplation, is an example of the idiom "marry in haste, repent at leisure." This idiom suggests that making hasty decisions, in this case, getting married too quickly, can lead to remorse or regret later on. Sarah might have found herself regretting her decision, wishing she had taken more time to think about her decision and consider all the implications.
Emily's parents forced her to marry their cousin as soon as she turned 18, claiming that it would bring glory to the family.

Emily was pressured into getting married without proper consideration, which is another example of the idiom "marry in haste, repent at leisure." Emily might have found herself regretting the decision later on, as the marriage was not based on love or companionship but instead, social expectations. She might have wished she had taken more time to consider whether the marriage was right for her.
Jake and Sarah got married in Las Vegas, drunk, and without any planning.

Jake and Sarah's spontaneous decision to get married in Sin City, under the influence of alcohol, is a classic example of the idiom "marry in haste, repent at leisure." Their decision to marry impulsively without proper planning could lead to regret or disappointment in the future, as they might not have anticipated the necessary steps involved in a wedding or the importance of marriage preparation.
After a whirlwind romance, Megan and Adam decided to tie the knot after just two months of dating.

Megan and Adam's decision to get married quickly, based on infatuation alone, is an example of the idiom "marry in haste, repent at leisure." This decision could lead to problems down the line, as they might not have had enough time to get to know each other properly, or deal with any underlying issues that may arise in marriage. The expression suggests that taking more time to consider marriage would have been a better decision in this case.
After meeting at a friend's wedding, Sarah couldn't resist the chemistry between her and the charming stranger, James. Without much thought, they eloped in a small ceremony the following week. However, as the initial excitement wore off, Sarah began to regret her hasty decision. She realized that she had barely gotten to know James and that they had different long-term goals.

The idiom "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" implies that rushing into a marriage without proper consideration or reflection can lead to regret and dissatisfaction. Sarah's impulsive decision to marry James without fully understanding their compatibility or future aspirations is an example of this idiom.
When Olivia's best friend, Liz, announced her engagement to her high school sweetheart, Olivia was thrilled for her but couldn't help feeling a pang of jealousy. She decided to take matters into her own hands and proposed to her boyfriend, Alex, just a few days later. However, as the novelty wore off, Olivia began to realize that she had acted impulsively and may have made a mistake.

The idiom "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" can also be used to describe the pressure to conform to societal norms or expectations. In this example, Olivia's desire to match her friend's marriage may have led her to rush into a proposal without fully considering her own feelings or readiness to marry.
Tom's parents had been pushing him to settle down with a steady job and a wife for years. Tom, who had always been indecisive, finally gave in and proposed to his girlfriend, Emily, on a whim. However, as Emily began to demand more commitment and financial stability, Tom began to regret his impulsive decision. He realized that he wasn't ready for the responsibilities of marriage and resented his parents for putting the pressure on him.

The idiom "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" can also be used to describe the influence of external factors on decision-making. In this example, Tom's parents' pressure may have contributed to his impulsive decision to marry, leading to regret and resentment.
After years of being single and content, Rachel met Jack at a party and fell quickly in love. Despite the fact that they had only known each other for a few weeks, Rachel felt like she had found "the one." Without hesitation, she proposed to Jack, thinking that her happiness would outweigh any potential negatives. However, as the weeks turned into months, Rachel began to realize that their relationship was not as easy or perfect as she had imagined. She regretted her impulsive decision and wondered if she had truly thought things through.

The idiom "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" can also be used to describe the power of emotion and instant attraction. In this example, Rachel's strong feelings for Jack may have led her to ignore any potential red flags or doubts, leading to regret and second-guessing.

Conclusion

The idiom "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" is used to caution against impulsive decision-making and to highlight the potential negative consequences of rushing into something without careful consideration. It can be used to discourage someone from engaging in a particular activity or task, advising them that it may not lead to a positive outcome. Additionally, it serves as a warning about the potential regret or unhappiness that may result from making impulsive decisions.

Origin of "Marry in haste, repent at leisure"

The origin of the idiom "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" can be traced back to the 18th century. The phrase first appeared in a poem by William Congreve, an English playwright and poet, in his 1697 work "The Mourning Bride." The full line in the poem is "Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure; Married in haste, we may repent at leisure."

The idiom gained popularity and became a well-known saying, used to caution against making impulsive decisions, especially in the context of marriage. The phrase suggests that rushing into marriage without careful consideration can lead to long-term regret and unhappiness. It serves as a reminder to take the time to make important decisions, especially those with significant consequences. The idiom has since become a common piece of advice given to those considering marriage or any other major life decision.