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The meaning and origin of the expression: The early bird catches the worm

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The early bird catches the worm

Meaning

Success comes to those who prepare well and put in effort.

Origin

This is first recorded in John Ray's A collection of English proverbs 1670, 1678:

"The early bird catcheth the worm."

Clearly, the title of the work indicates that this was considered proverbial even in the 17th century.

See also: the List of Proverbs.

See also: Carpe diem.

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