Lingo

Prevention

9 Words

5m

1.
a stumble may prevent a fall
content.sentence

used to suggest that a small mistake or setback can serve as a warning or wake-up call that helps one avoid a larger, more serious problem or failure down the line

When the company lost a major client, it prompted the CEO to reassess the company's strategy and make changes that helped them gain new clients - as they say, a stumble may prevent a fall.

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2.
an ounce of (prevention|protection) is worth a pound of cure
content.sentence

used to imply that it is better to take steps to prevent problems from happening in the first place, rather than waiting to deal with the consequences of those problems later

Instead of waiting for a heart attack to happen, it's better to start exercising and eating healthy as an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

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3.
better safe than sorry
content.sentence

used to suggest that it is preferable to take precautions and be cautious in order to avoid problems or regret later on

Better safe than sorry, so I wore a helmet while biking, even though I wasn’t going fast.

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4.
it is easier to raise the devil than to lay him
content.sentence

used to imply that it is easier to create a problem or cause trouble than it is to solve it or correct the situation

When the company ignored customer complaints about one of their products, they discovered that it was easier to raise the devil than to lay him, as the negative publicity and legal battles cost the company a fortune.

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5.
over shoes, over boots
Phrase

used to imply that it is better to be overly cautious and prevent issues from arising than having to deal with the consequences later

When Sara asked why I always carry an umbrella even on sunny days, I just shrugged and said, 'Over shoes, over boots.'

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6.
prevention is (always|) better than cure
content.sentence

used to imply that it is more effective to take preventative measures to avoid problems or illnesses before they occur, rather than waiting to deal with them after they have already happened

Regular exercise and healthy eating habits can prevent many illnesses as prevention is better than cure.

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7.
safe bind, safe find
content.sentence

used to suggest that securely binding or storing something ensures its safe retrieval later, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions and being organized

I always put my important documents in a safe deposit box at the bank because safe bind, safe find.

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8.
a little fire is quickly trodden out
content.sentence

used to emphasize that it is important to deal with issues as soon as they arise, before they have a chance to grow and become more difficult to handle

The manager knew that a little fire is quickly trodden out, so she quickly addressed the issue before it had a chance to escalate.

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9.
never trouble trouble (till|until) trouble troubles you
content.sentence

used to advise against being overly anxious or worrying about potential problems that have not yet arisen and suggests that one should only deal with problems when they actually occur

Don't worry about the possibility of getting a flat tire on your road trip, never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you.

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