Early bird catches the worm
Meaning
Being prompt or starting early increases one's chances of success or advantage.
Origin
The wisdom of waking before dawn to seize the day is ancient, but this particular phrasing first took flight in 1670 with John Ray's "A Collection of English Proverbs." A keen observer of natural life, Ray understood the simple truth: just as a bird must rise with the sun to find its sustenance, so too must humans act promptly to secure their opportunities. He captured this universal principle in a vivid, memorable image that quickly nestled into the English language, reminding generations that the advantage belongs to the diligent and early riser.
Examples
- My alarm goes off at 5 AM every day because I believe the early bird catches the worm when it comes to morning workouts.
- Sarah arrived at the sale an hour before opening, knowing that the early bird catches the worm for the best deals.