A Dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

Widely associated with carpentry. A similar sentiment is THINK twice, cut once.

1901 Manitoba Morning Free Press 15 Nov. 7 (advertisement)’Measure twice, cut

but once.’ Experiment till you find the uniformly good make of shoe—the shape, size and

width you need. Then stick to it—don’t speculate. 1964 Cedar Rapids Gazette, 29 Mar.

20E Accurate measurements are the backbone of good construction. There’s an old saying

among carpenters that if you measure twice, you will have to cut only once. 1992

Independent 22 Oct.14 Ross Perot said the key to reducing the deficit will be to measure

twice and cut once. Boy, too bad his barber didn’t follow that advice. 2000 Houston

Chronicle 10 Aug. 29 ‘My dad always taught me: “Measure twice, cut once,”.. .‘Someone

forgot to measure twice here.’ 2005 posting on http://www.pipeline.corante.com 16 Mar. This

law of mine comes down to the old advice of ‘Measure Twice, Cut Once.’ It’s a hard rule

to remember, when you’ve got a box of saws and the wood is just sitting there, daring you

to have at it. caution

There is MEASURE in all things

Similar to MODERATION in all things. HORACE Satires I. i. 106 est modus in rebus,
there is measure in things.

c 1385 CHAUCER Troilus & Criseyde II. 715 In every thyng, I woot, there lith

mesure [moderation]. 1598–9 SHAKESPEARE Much Ado about Nothing II. i. 59 If the

prince be too important, tell him there is measure in every thing. 1616 T. DRAXE Adages

131 There is a measure in all things. 1910 R. KIPLING Rewards & Fairies 84 There’s no

clean hands in the trade. But steal in measure. .. There is measure in all things made.

1942 A. THIRKELL Marling Hall iii. ‘Good God, mamma dear,’ said Oliver. ‘You

cannot throw old governesses together like that. There is measure in everything.’ 1958 M.

RENAULT King must Die II. i. One expects some fooling when they bring the

bridegroom, but there is measure in everything. moderation

measure see also MAN is the measure of all things.

MEAT and mass never hindered man

a 1628 J. CARMICHAELL Proverbs in Scots no. 134 A mease [mess = serving] of

meat hinderit never man. 1639 J. CLARKE Parœmiologia Anglo-Latina 273 Meat and

mat-tens hinder no mans journey. 1641 D. FERGUSSON Scottish Proverbs (STS) no. 644