A Stitch in Time Saves Nine: Origin and Meaning

Doing something now will prevent more work later when the problem becomes worse.

Sewing up a small hole when you see it will prevent more sewing later (saves nine stitches). First recorded in 1732 as ‘a stitch in time may save nine,’ it is later found in 1797 as the more confident ‘a stitch in time saves nine’. It comes from the literal meaning that sewing one stitch is easier than sewing nine stitches.

– “Organise your notes after every class or you will have so much work to do organising them at the end of the year – a stitch in time saves nine.”

– “A: My tap has started dripping, but it can wait.”
– “B: You should get a plumber to fix it right away or it will get much worse! A stitch in time saves nine!”