Better late than never.
Potius sero quam nunquam.
Meaning and origin
Meaning: It is better to do something late than to not do it at all.
Origin: This proverb dates back to ancient Roman times and was first recorded in the 12th century in the Old English poem "The Owl and the Nightingale." The sentiment behind the proverb is that it is better to complete a task or action, even if it is delayed, than to not complete it at all.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- There is a time for all things.
- First come, first served.
- Time is money.
- All in good time.
- Now is now and then was then.
- Strike while the iron is hot.
- Christmas comes but once a year.
- Time and tide wait for no man.
- Let bygones be bygones.
- After death the doctor.
- It is easy to be Wise after the event.
- It is no use crying over spilt milk.
- What is done cannot be undone.
- After a storm comes a calm.
- Time is the best healer.
- Every day is not Sunday.
- It is too late to shut the stable door after the horse has bolted.
- It is too late to call back yesterday.
- A wonder lasts but nine days.
- Marry your son when you Will, your daughter when you can.
- Times change and we with them.
- Must I tell you a tale and find your ears too?
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in the same language
English
- It is never too late to mend.
- Never too late to mend.
Equal proverbs in another language
Latin
- Potius sero quam nunquam. Better late than never.
French
- Mieux vaut tard que jamais. Better late than never.
German
- Besser spät als nie. Better late than never.
Czech
- Lépe pozdě nežli nikdy. Better late than never.
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
- Fit melius sero quam quod fit tempore nullo. Better late than never.
French
- Il n'est jamais trop tard pour apprendre. It's never too late to learn.
- Vient toujours qui vient tard. Always comes late.