Prevention: English Vocabulary List

used to suggest that a small mistake or setback can serve as a warning or wake-up call that helps one avoid a larger, more serious problem or failure down the line

"A small setback can stop a bigger one — a stumble may prevent a fall."

"The minor error that was caught early saved the project from complete failure — a stumble may prevent a fall."

used to imply that it is better to take steps to prevent problems from happening in the first place, rather than waiting to deal with the consequences of those problems later

"Preventing a problem is better than fixing it — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

"The compliance training cost little but saved the company from a serious legal issue — an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

used to suggest that it is preferable to take precautions and be cautious in order to avoid problems or regret later on

"Take an umbrella — better safe than sorry."

"The legal team recommended a thorough review of the contract — better safe than sorry before signing anything."

used to imply that it is easier to create a problem or cause trouble than it is to solve it or correct the situation

"Starting a conflict is much easier than stopping it — it is easier to raise the devil than to lay him."

"The protest movement grew far beyond what its organisers could control — it is easier to raise the devil than to lay him."

used to imply that it is better to be overly cautious and prevent issues from arising than having to deal with the consequences later

"Be over shoes, over boots."

"Once you commit to something you might as well go all the way because over shoes over boots means fully committed."

used to imply that it is more effective to take preventative measures to avoid problems or illnesses before they occur, rather than waiting to deal with them after they have already happened

"Stop problems before they start — prevention is always better than cure."

"Regular maintenance had kept the system running perfectly — prevention is always better than cure."

used to suggest that securely binding or storing something ensures its safe retrieval later, emphasizing the importance of taking precautions and being organized

"Lock things well and they will be safe — safe bind, safe find."

"Every document was encrypted and backed up — safe bind, safe find."

used to emphasize that it is important to deal with issues as soon as they arise, before they have a chance to grow and become more difficult to handle

"Deal with small problems quickly — a little fire is quickly trodden out."

"The minor dispute was resolved before it could escalate — a little fire is quickly trodden out."

used to advise against being overly anxious or worrying about potential problems that have not yet arisen and suggests that one should only deal with problems when they actually occur

"Do not create problems by looking for them — never trouble trouble until trouble troubles you."

"She left the situation alone rather than risk making it worse — never trouble trouble till trouble troubles you."