This proverbial saying suggest that, if you try and do something quickly you will make mistakes and take longer in the end.
More haste, less speed
What's the meaning of the phrase 'More haste, less speed'?
What's the origin of the phrase 'More haste, less speed'?
This proverbial saying is found in John Heywood’s 1546 glossary A Dialogue conteinyng the nomber in effect of all the Prouerbes in the Englishe tongue:
Moste tymes he seeth, the more haste the lesse spede.
There is a citation which appears to be earlier, in the Scottish Troy Book, which was published at some time in the first half of the 16th century. That includes:
Of fule haist cummis no speid.
Heywood’s book also includes ‘haste makes waste‘, which has much the same meaning.
See also: the List of Proverbs.
The history of “More haste” in printed materials
Trend of more haste in printed material over time
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