Quality & Performance: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that something that is damaged or flawed will never work properly, regardless of its other qualities or potential, as the flaw can significantly impact its effectiveness

"Something flawed can never be fully fixed — a cracked bell can never sound well."

"The damaged reputation of the brand was never fully restored — a cracked bell can never sound well."

used to suggest that something of high value, even with a minor imperfection, is more desirable than something ordinary or mundane that is perfect

"An imperfect valuable thing beats a perfect common one — a diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect."

"The quirky and original proposal beat the polished but generic one — a diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect."

used to suggest that a good story is timeless and can be enjoyed and appreciated regardless of how many times it is repeated

"A good story is worth repeating — a good tale is none the worse for being told twice."

"She told the same story at every induction and it never failed to land — a good tale is none the worse for being told twice."

used to imply that opting for the least expensive option can end up being the most expensive in the long run, as it may require further expenses to fix problems or replace low-quality goods

"Cheap options often cost more in the end — cheapest is often the dearest."

"The low-cost supplier caused delays that cost far more than saving on price — cheapest is often the dearest."

used to suggest that starting with high-quality materials or resources leads to better outcomes and long-term success

"Good preparation leads to good results — good seed makes a good crop."

"The thorough onboarding process produced the strongest cohort of new staff — good seed makes for a good crop."

used to suggest that something of high quality or value does not require advertising or promotion, as its excellence is apparent

"Quality speaks for itself."

"She never advertises her bakery because she believes that a good wine needs no bush, and her customers spread the word themselves."

used to suggest that to ensure a task is completed to a high standard, it is best to undertake it oneself rather than relying on others

"Do it yourself for quality."

"She stopped delegating the critical reports after repeated errors — if you want a thing done right, do it yourself."

used to imply that important tasks or activities deserve one's full effort and attention to ensure a successful outcome

"Give your best effort."

"If it is worth doing, it is worth doing well, so she spent extra time perfecting every detail."

used to imply that small or simple things can be just as significant and admirable as large or complex things, emphasizing that worth or quality is not necessarily linked to size or complexity

"Small can be lovely."

"The compact, efficient design outperformed its larger rivals — small is beautiful."

used to war that it is difficult to achieve both speed and high quality simultaneously, suggesting that a focus on one may come at the expense of the other

"Quality takes time."

"The rushed report was full of errors — good and quickly seldom meet."

used to suggest that something small can have great value or significance, and that one should not judge the worth of something based solely on its size or outward appearance

"Small things have value."

"The brief message contained the most important insight of the entire review — good things come in small packages."

used to imply that a person who tries to do many different things may not become excellent or an expert in any one thing

"Too many skills, no expertise."

"He could do everything adequately but nothing brilliantly — jack of all trades is a master of none."

used to imply that something that is old or of poor quality is often more durable or long-lasting than something new or of better quality

"Old things last longer."

"The ailing business somehow kept going year after year — a creaking door hangs longest."