It is preferable to do something late than to not do it at all. Used to express that delayed action is still worthwhile.
This phrase dates back to ancient times, appearing in various forms in Latin and Greek literature. The English version was popularized in the 14th century and has remained virtually unchanged since then.
This optimistic phrase reflects humanity's eternal struggle with procrastination and perfectionism. Interestingly, it's often used both as genuine encouragement and as a gentle rebuke, making it one of the most diplomatically versatile expressions in English.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.