🗓️ Idiom: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine (v)
💬 Meaning
- Fixing a small problem early prevents it from becoming a bigger issue later.
- Taking quick action saves time and effort in the long run.
🧠 Example Sentences
- We patched the software bug as soon as we saw it because a stitch in time saves nine.
- Don’t ignore that missing deadline; fix it now. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.
- The project manager corrected the timeline early on. It was a smart move since a stitch in time saves nine.
🏛️ Origin
This idiom comes from sewing: fixing a small tear early with one stitch prevents needing nine more later. In project management, it highlights the importance of solving problems before they grow.
📝 Practice Exercises
1. Fill in the blank:
We resolved the scope issue right away because __________.
Answer
a stitch in time saves nine
2. Choose the correct meaning of “a stitch in time saves nine”:
A) Delaying action is better
B) Fixing small issues early prevents bigger problems
C) Waiting helps gather more information
D) Big problems should be ignored
Answer
B) Fixing small issues early prevents bigger problems
3. Rewrite the sentence using the idiom:
“Solving that small problem early helped us avoid a major delay.” → Change the sentence using: a stitch in time saves nine
Answer
— A stitch in time saves nine, therefore solving that small problem helped us avoid a major delay
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages

Rob is a CELTA qualified English teacher with 15 years of international experience. He has a BSc and PGDip from Loughborough and St Andrews universities in the UK. He has taught in Thailand and Saudi Arabia and now works with professionals worldwide.

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