What does “A good beginning makes a good ending.” mean?

"A good beginning makes a good ending" means that if you start something well, you are likely to finish it well too.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I always make sure to plan and prepare thoroughly before starting a project. A good beginning makes a good ending. It helps me stay focused and motivated throughout.

Example

When I started my new job, I made sure to establish good relationships with my colleagues and set clear goals for myself. A good beginning makes a good ending. It has helped me succeed in my role.

Example

In sports, a strong warm-up and mental preparation before a game can greatly impact the team's performance. A good beginning makes a good ending. It sets the tone for the rest of the match

Is “A good beginning makes a good ending.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A good beginning makes a good ending.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “A good beginning makes a good ending.” effectively in context?

You can use "A good beginning makes a good ending" to emphasize the importance of starting something well in order to achieve a successful outcome. It can be applied to various situations, such as personal projects, work endeavors, or even sports. For example, if a friend is about to start a new business venture, you might say, 'Remember, a good beginning makes a good ending. Make sure to plan and prepare thoroughly to increase your chances of success.'

1Personal Projects
Before writing her essay, she spent time brainstorming and organizing her thoughts. A good beginning makes a good ending. Her essay turned out to be well-structured and coherent.
2Work
When starting a new project, it's important to establish clear goals and expectations. A good beginning makes a good ending. This sets the foundation for a successful outcome.
3Sports
In a soccer match, a strong warm-up and team strategy before the game can greatly impact the team's performance. A good beginning makes a good ending. It sets the tone for the rest of the match.

Similar phrases to “A good beginning makes a good ending.”:

Well begun is half done

If you start something well, you have completed half of the task.

Example

By setting clear goals and creating a detailed plan, she understood that well begun is half done.

Start off on the right foot

To begin something in a positive and successful way.

Example

He wanted to start off on the right foot, so he prepared extensively for the interview.

First impressions matter

The initial opinion or judgment formed about someone or something has a significant impact.

Example

She knew that first impressions matter, so she dressed professionally for the job interview.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A good beginning makes a good ending.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A good beginning makes a good ending" is unknown.

Is “A good beginning makes a good ending.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "A good beginning makes a good ending" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to highlight the importance of starting things well and to encourage others to focus on the initial stages of a task or project.

What tone does “A good beginning makes a good ending.” have?

"A good beginning makes a good ending" conveys a tone of wisdom and foresight. It suggests that by putting effort and attention into the beginning of something, one can increase the likelihood of achieving a positive outcome.

Can “A good beginning makes a good ending.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The proverb "A good beginning makes a good ending" is considered to be formal. It is commonly used in both informal and formal settings, such as conversations with friends, colleagues, or in professional contexts. Its universal message makes it applicable in various situations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She made sure to plan and prepare thoroughly before starting her project. A good beginning makes a good ending.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "a good beginning makes a good ending"!' to imply the importance of starting well.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

a good start leads to a good finish
a strong beginning ensures a successful ending
starting well paves the way for a positive outcome
a solid start sets the stage for a triumphant end
a successful beginning guarantees a successful ending

Antonyms

a bad start leads to a bad ending
a weak beginning results in a disappointing conclusion
starting poorly hinders the chances of a positive outcome
a shaky start sets the stage for a failed end
an unsuccessful beginning guarantees an unsuccessful ending