Foresight & Prudence: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that if one anticipates a potential danger or problem, one can take steps to reduce the risk and potential harm

"Knowing a risk is coming makes it easier to avoid — a danger foreseen is half avoided."

"The early warning system gave them time to prepare — a danger foreseen is half avoided."

used to emphasize that one should not become distracted by superficial or insignificant details and lose sight of what is truly important or valuable

"Do not go after something less important and lose the real thing — catch not at the shadow and lose the substance."

"He pursued the short-term gain and lost the long-term partnership — catch not at the shadow and lose the substance."

used to suggest that without proper planning, one is more likely to encounter failures or setbacks

"Not planning means you are planning to fail — failing to plan is planning to fail."

"The project had no timeline and no milestones — failing to plan is planning to fail."

used to emphasize that time is a precious and limited resource, and should be used wisely on things that truly matter

"Do not waste time on things that do not matter — life is too short to do something that does not matter."

"He stopped attending meaningless meetings, convinced that life is too short to do something that does not matter."

used to imply that one should not use up all of one's resources before they can be refilled or replaced

"Do not empty the water jar now."

"My grandmother always told me not to empty the water jar until the rain falls, because we might need it later."

used to imply that one should think deeply and carefully before speaking or writing, emphasizing the importance of reflection and restraint in communication

"Think carefully, speak little, and write even less — think much, speak little, and write less."

"She adopted the principle of think much, speak little, and write less in every difficult negotiation."

used to suggest that one should not discard or dispose of something that they currently have until they have found a suitable replacement or something of greater value

"Do not throw out your dirty water."

"My mother always said not to throw out your dirty water until you get in fresh, so you will never be left with nothing."

used to imply that taking the time to double-check measurements and details before proceeding can prevent mistakes and save time and resources in the long run

"Check carefully before acting — measure twice and cut once."

"He reviewed every clause twice before signing — measure twice, cut once."

used to imply that it is better to address a problem or make a small repair early on, rather than waiting and allowing the problem to become more serious and difficult to fix later

"Act early to prevent bigger problems — a stitch in time saves nine."

"She addressed the small complaint immediately — a stitch in time saves nine."