AI for Breakfast

Post 129 - It’s the weekend - Idiom of the day

A stitch in time saves nine

Figurative meaning

"A stitch in time saves nine" means that taking care of a problem promptly can prevent it from becoming much bigger and more difficult to manage later on. It's an encouragement to act quickly and address issues before they escalate.

Typical usage

This idiom is often used in advice-giving scenarios, particularly when someone notices a small issue that could turn into a larger problem if not dealt with immediately. For example, if a friend notices a leak in your roof and suggests fixing it now rather than waiting until it causes significant water damage, they might say, "A stitch in time saves nine."

Origin

The phrase originates from the world of sewing. If a small tear in a piece of fabric is sewn (or "stitched") as soon as it's noticed, it prevents the tear from becoming larger and requiring more extensive repairs later. The idea is that one stitch now (in time) can save the effort of nine stitches later.

The idiom is believed to have been in use since at least the early 18th century. It appeared in print in Thomas Fuller's book "Gnomologia: Adages and Proverbs" published in 1732. The use of "nine" in the phrase isn't specific to the exact number of stitches saved but serves to emphasize the multiplication of effort that can be avoided by prompt action.