Better Late Than Never In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "Better Late Than Never", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Kathy Cao

2021-03-09 02:03

Meaning of Better Late Than Never

Better Late Than Never spoken language

The full proverb is sometimes stated, “Better late than never,but better never late.”

This idiom is often used to say that it is better for someone or something to be late than never to arrive or happen at all.

"Tom, you finally handed your homework in. Well, better late than never"

It is also used to say that you are glad someone has done something, or to say that they should do something even though they are late.

I'm sorry my gift came late, but better late than never, right?

Other phrases about:

after meat, mustard

Used to imply that something has come too late and it is no longer needed

(be in) a tearing hurry/rush

To do something or go somewhere very quickly, usually because you are about to be late or you are late

Origin of Better Late Than Never

The proverb was first recorded in 1200. It appeared in several collections of English proverbs.

The first time the phrase appears in print in English was in "The Yeoman's Tale from The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer published in 1386.

The Latin phrase 'potiusque sero quam numquam' which translates as "better late than never" was used in History of Rome, written around 27 BC by Titus Livius.