PhrasesHub

More haste, less speed

    Definitions

      • discourage rushing
        Advise against hurrying through a task, cautioning that it may actually result in a slower or less successful outcome

      • discourage impatience
        Advise against being too eager to finish a task, cautioning that impatience may lead to mistakes or setbacks

    Examples of More haste, less speed

    • Sarah was trying to pack for her vacation in just an hour. She rushed through the clothes and shoved them into the suitcase, but in doing so, wrinkled them severely. After packing everything, she realized that she forgot some essential items, and now she had to unpack and repack in a proper manner.

      This example shows how Sarah's hurry led to mistakes and wasted time in the end. It highlights the importance of taking things slower and more steadily to avoid errors and ensure that everything is done correctly.

    • John was supposed to meet his team at the conference hall at 9:00 AM, but he left his house at 8:30 AM, thinking it would lead to less traffic and less delay. However, he encountered heavy traffic due to a road accident, and as a result, he reached the venue 30 minutes after his team.

      This example depicts how John's impulsivity and hasty decision-making led to undesirable outcomes. It emphasizes the need to plan and consider all possible scenarios before taking any action.

    • The company's sales team was on a deadline to launch a new product within six months. The team worked tirelessly, but they failed to test the product meticulously, which led to several glitches in the final product. Due to the errors, the product didn't sell well, and the company suffered heavy losses.

      This example illustrates how the sales team's urgency and inattention to detail led to negative consequences. It emphasizes the importance of taking enough time for thorough testing and quality assurance before launching any new product.

    • The CEO announced that the organization would be moving to a new location within three months. The relocation team started packing and organizing the office immediately. They left no time for employees to prepare themselves for the move, causing confusion and chaos.

      This example portrays how the CEO's rush to implement his decision negatively affected the organization's operations. It shows the significance of providing ample time and communication to employees to prepare for any significant changes.

    • The construction workers rushed to finish the project before the deadline, but they ended up making more mistakes due to their haste. As a result, they had to spend extra time fixing the errors, leading to further delays. This case illustrates the idiom "more haste, less speed".

      The phrase "more haste, less speed" means that being too hasty can lead to a slower or less efficient outcome overall. It's important to strike a balance between speed and accuracy, as rushing through a task can often result in additional problems or complications down the line.

    • Sarah tried to study for her exams in the last minute, but she struggled to finish everything and didn't have time to review her answers. She ended up getting a lower grade than she expected, even though she had worked hard. Sarah learned that "more haste, less speed" applies to studying as well - it's better to spread out the work over a longer period of time to ensure a thorough understanding of the material.

      In this example, Sarah's impulse to rush her studying led to a negative outcome. The idiom "more haste, less speed" can also be applied to other situations where speed can be a hindrance, like cooking, driving, or making important decisions.

    • The sales team was eager to close a deal with a potential client, but they pushed too hard and failed to address some of the client's concerns. As a result, the client became displeased and decided to go with a competitor instead. This scenario highlights the importance of taking the time to listen to a customer's needs and responding appropriately, rather than forcing a sale at a fast pace.

      Here, "more haste, less speed" refers to the idea that rushing through a sale or negotiation can lead to a loss of trust and a missed opportunity. It's better to prioritize a slow and steady approach that prioritizes the customer's satisfaction over a quick sale.

    • John was excited to start his own business, but he didn't take enough time to properly research the market and develop a solid business plan. He ended up investing a lot of money and effort, but he didn't achieve the success he expected. This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of "more haste, less speed" in entrepreneurship - it's important to take the necessary time to prepare and plan before launching a new venture.

      In this example, John's impatience and haste led to a less successful outcome than he could have achieved with a more deliberate and cautious approach. The idiom "more haste, less speed" reminds us that sometimes, the best results come from taking our time and being thorough in our planning and execution.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "more haste, less speed" is a cautionary phrase that advises against rushing or being too impatient when completing a task. It conveys the idea that taking the time to do something carefully and methodically will ultimately lead to a better and quicker result, whereas rushing through it may result in mistakes or setbacks. This idiom is often used to remind someone to slow down and take a more measured approach to a task, in order to achieve the best outcome.

    Origin of "More haste, less speed"

    The phrase "more haste, less speed" originated in the 16th century and has its roots in ancient wisdom. The idea behind the phrase is that acting too quickly or with too much haste can actually slow down the overall progress or result in a less efficient outcome. This concept has been expressed in various forms throughout history, but the specific wording of the idiom as we know it today likely emerged during the Renaissance period in England. The idiom has since become a popular way to caution against rushing or impatience in various tasks and endeavors.

    Examples:

    • She was so eager to finish the project that she made several mistakes along the way. More haste, less speed!
    • I know you're in a hurry, but remember, more haste, less speed. Take your time and do it right.