A stitch in time saves nine means it's easier to fix a small problem straight away, before it grows. Sewing up a tiny hole is easier than patching the whole sleeve later. Nine isn't a real calculation: it echoes the sound of time and simply means much more. It's a good line for advice about repairs, money or health.
When would you say a stitch in time saves nine?
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a stitch in time saves nine; a stitch in time
- Tighten that loose screw now—a stitch in time saves nine.
- We checked the labels before packing; a stitch in time saves nine.
- A stitch in time saves nine, so I backed up the notes before reorganizing them.
What changed
First versionA stitch in time save nine.
RevisionA stitch in time saves nine.
The subject is a stitch, just one, so in the present simple the verb needs -s: saves. With several words between the subject and the verb, the ending is easy to lose. The s was put back.
Better late than never is comforting when you're late. A stitch in time saves nine says the opposite: earlier is better. Better safe than sorry is about caution in general, not necessarily about a problem that grows.
Your turn
Complete the saying: A stitch in time ___ nine.
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saves — The subject a stitch is singular, so in the present simple the verb takes -s: saves.
Write about a small problem you fixed in time, or one that grew because you put it off.
Let's replace the frayed bag strap before it breaks; a stitch in time saves nine.
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