phrases, sayings, proverbs and idioms at
Home button Home | Search the phrases.org.uk website Search | Phrase Dictionary | Marry in haste, repent at leisure

The meaning and origin of the expression: Marry in haste, repent at leisure

Marry in haste, repent at leisure

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Marry in haste, repent at leisure'?

Literal meaning.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Marry in haste, repent at leisure'?

The meaning and origin of the phrase 'Marry in haste, repent at leisure'This proverbial saying was first expressed in print by William Congreve in his comedy of manners The Old Batchelour, 1693:

Thus grief still treads upon the heels of pleasure:
Married in haste, we may repent at leisure.

Congreve took his lead from Shakespeare who had previously coined who wooed in haste, and means to wed at leisure, which conveys much the same idea.

Both authors were expressing the notion that, while courtships and weddings are brief, marriages are longlasting - giving plenty of time to muse on the wisdom of a rushed alliance.

Gary Martin - the author of the phrases.org.uk website.

By Gary Martin

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Browse phrases beginning with:
 
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T UV W XYZ Full List