English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
The early bird catches the worm
Meaning
The idiom "the early bird catches the worm" means that the person who takes action first will gain an advantage over others. It suggests that acting quickly and taking initiative can lead to success.
Usage
- If you want to get ahead in your career, you need to be like the early bird that catches the worm - always be proactive and take on new challenges.
- The athlete who trains first in the morning is likely to perform better than the one who trains later. It's all about being the first to catch the worm.
- If you want to save money, you should start shopping early in the morning when prices are lower. You never know what deals you might find like the early bird catching a worm.
- The student who studies first in the morning will perform better on exams than the one who procrastinates until the last minute. It's all about being an early bird and catching the worm.
- If you want to secure the best job, you should start looking for it early in the morning when most companies are advertising new positions. You never know what opportunities you might find like the early bird catching a worm.
Roots and History
The idiom "the early bird catches the worm" dates back to the 18th century. The earliest known use of the phrase is found in the book "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift in 1726. In the story, Swift writes, "I will take a lesson from my friend the crow: for he did not wait until the worm-bird had flown away, but was always running about after them, and when he could catch one he would eat it." The idiom has since become a common expression in English to encourage people to be proactive and take action quickly.
Synonyms in English
- First mover advantage
- Cutting edge
- Head start
- Ahead of the curve
- Early bird gets the worm
Synonyms in other languages
- 鸡群叽鸡 (Chinese) - This idiom means that if you want to catch a worm, you should go early in the morning when worms are most active.
- 早上起来献花 (Japanese) - This idiom means that by waking up early, you can offer flowers to your ancestors and pray for their blessings. It implies taking action quickly and being proactive.
- תפורט חינון של אתה כסבעות (Hebrew) - This idiom means that by studying early in the morning, you can gain a deeper understanding of the Torah and become more knowledgeable.
- קשור מזורים אותך ושונים לבעד מספורד הזהות (Hebrew) - This idiom means that by planning ahead and taking action, you can achieve your goals and make your dreams come true.
- تחשכר מצורים אותך לבעד מספורד הזהות (Hebrew) - This idiom means that by being proactive and taking initiative, you can succeed in life and achieve your goals.