" A stitch in time saves nine "
Meaning:
A small effort made at the right time might save a calamity later on.
Example:
Fixing that frayed rope was a real stitch in time. It would probably have snapped when the wind got up later if we hadn’t.
Where did it originate?:
The United Kingdom. A very old proverb.
Where is it used?:
In use worldwide, but less commonly than before and mainly by the older generation.
Hear the idiom spoken: