What does “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” mean?

"Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back" means be cautious and considerate before making a decision, but once you have made a decision, stick to it without regret or second-guessing.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Before making any major life decisions, it's important to look before you leap, but once you've made the leap, it's best to never look back.

Example

She always looks before she leaps, carefully weighing the pros and cons before making a decision, and once she's made up her mind, she never looks back.

Example

In business, it's crucial to look before you leap, conducting thorough research and analysis before making a move, and once the decision is made, it's important to commit fully and never look back

Is “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” 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 “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” effectively in context?

You can use "Look before you leap" to advise someone to be cautious and thoughtful before making a decision or taking action. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential consequences and risks before proceeding. For example, if a friend is considering quitting their job without a backup plan, you might say, 'It's important to "look before you leap" and make sure you have a solid plan in place before taking such a big step.'

1Personal Life
Before making any major life decisions, it's important to look before you leap, but once you've made the leap, it's best to never look back.
2Decision Making
She always looks before she leaps, carefully weighing the pros and cons before making a decision, and once she's made up her mind, she never looks back.
3Business
In business, it's crucial to look before you leap, conducting thorough research and analysis before making a move, and once the decision is made, it's important to commit fully and never look back.

Similar phrases to “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.”:

Measure twice, cut once

To emphasize the importance of careful planning and preparation before taking action

Example

In carpentry, it's important to measure twice, cut once to avoid mistakes and wasted materials.

Think before you act

To advise someone to consider the potential consequences before taking action

Example

Before sending that angry email, remember to think before you act and consider the impact it may have.

Haste makes waste

To caution against rushing or acting impulsively, as it may lead to mistakes or wasted efforts

Example

He learned the hard way that haste makes waste when he had to redo the project due to careless errors.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Look before you leap" can be traced back to ancient Roman times. The Latin version of the proverb, 'Caveat emptor,' which translates to 'Let the buyer beware,' was a common saying in the marketplace. Over time, this idea of caution and careful consideration before taking action evolved into the English proverb "Look before you leap".

Is “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Look before you leap" is a well-known and frequently used proverb in everyday conversation. It is often used to remind people to consider the potential consequences of their actions and to encourage thoughtful decision-making.

What tone does “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” have?

"Look before you leap" conveys a tone of caution and prudence. It is used to advise others to be careful and thoughtful in their actions, emphasizing the importance of considering the potential risks and consequences.

Can “Look before you leap, but having leapt never look back.” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Look before you leap" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of careful decision-making. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

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, 'Before making any major life decisions, it's important to "look before you leap".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember to "look before you leap"!' to imply caution and thoughtfulness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

consider before you commit
weigh the pros and cons
look before you take the plunge
think twice before you jump
evaluate before you decide

Antonyms

leap before you look
act first, think later
jump in blindly
make hasty decisions
regret without reflection