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

The early bird catches the worm

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What's the meaning of the phrase 'The early bird catches the worm'?

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

What's the origin of the phrase 'The early bird catches the worm'?

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 the List of Proverbs.

See also: Carpe diem.

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