What does “Slow and steady wins the race” mean?
"Slow and steady wins the race" means that doing something slowly and consistently is more likely to lead to success than rushing or being hasty.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He may not be the fastest, but he believes in the motto 'slow and steady wins the race'.
Example
Instead of rushing through the project, she decided to take a slow and steady wins the race approach.
Example
The marathon runner knew that maintaining a slow and steady wins the race pace would help him conserve energy for the long run
Is “Slow and steady wins the race” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Slow and steady wins the race” 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 “Slow and steady wins the race” effectively in context?
You can use "Slow and steady wins the race" to emphasize the importance of consistency and perseverance in achieving success. It suggests that taking small steps towards a goal consistently over time is more effective than rushing towards it quickly but haphazardly. For example, if a friend is feeling discouraged because they are not seeing immediate results in their studies, you might say, 'Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Keep studying consistently, and you'll eventually achieve your goals.'
- 1Academic
Instead of cramming the night before the exam, it's better to study a little bit every day. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
- 2Fitness
If you want to improve your fitness level, it's important to start with small, manageable workouts and gradually increase intensity. Don't rush into intense exercises right away. Slow and steady wins the race.
- 3Career
When building a successful career, it's important to focus on consistent growth and improvement rather than seeking quick promotions. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.
Similar phrases to “Slow and steady wins the race”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Slow and steady wins the race” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Slow and steady wins the race" can be traced back to one of Aesop's fables, 'The Tortoise and the Hare.' In the story, a slow-moving tortoise challenges a fast and overconfident hare to a race. Despite the hare's initial speed, the tortoise wins by maintaining a steady pace throughout the race.
Is “Slow and steady wins the race” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Slow and steady wins the race" is a well-known and frequently used proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to stay patient and persistent in their pursuits.
What tone does “Slow and steady wins the race” have?
"Slow and steady wins the race" conveys a tone of patience, perseverance, and wisdom. It's often used to provide reassurance and motivation in challenging situations.
Can “Slow and steady wins the race” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "slow and steady wins the race" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of long-term success through consistent effort. 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 writing.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't rush, remember that slow and steady wins the race.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Slow and steady!' to imply the importance of consistency and patience.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- stay the course
- consistency is key
- persistence pays off
- slow and steady wins the prize
- keep at it
Antonyms
- haste makes waste
- quick and careless
- rush and regret
- impatience leads to failure
- inconsistency hinders progress
