Significado
Think carefully about the possible consequences before you do something.
Contexto cultural
In the UK, this phrase is often associated with 'common sense' and a traditional distrust of 'flashy' or 'impulsive' behavior. It aligns with the cultural value of being 'sensible.' While Americans value risk-taking ('Just do it'), 'look before you leap' is the necessary counterbalance used in boardrooms to justify 'Due Diligence' periods. Often used in the context of physical safety in the outback or at the beach, blending the literal and figurative meanings. In the age of 'cancel culture,' this proverb is frequently used as advice to think before posting something controversial online.
Use it for 'No Return' moments
Save this phrase for when someone can't easily undo their action, like spending a lot of money or quitting a job.
Don't over-use it
If you say this for every tiny thing, you will sound like a very boring or scared person!
Significado
Think carefully about the possible consequences before you do something.
Use it for 'No Return' moments
Save this phrase for when someone can't easily undo their action, like spending a lot of money or quitting a job.
Don't over-use it
If you say this for every tiny thing, you will sound like a very boring or scared person!
The 'But' Technique
Use it to disagree politely: 'I see your point, but I think we should look before we leap.'
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct word.
It's a big investment, so make sure you look before you ____.
The standard form of the proverb always uses the word 'leap.'
Which situation best fits the proverb 'Look before you leap'?
Choose the best scenario:
Researching a company is a form of 'looking' (checking for risks) before 'leaping' (investing money).
What is the most natural response?
Tom: 'I'm going to marry Sarah! We met yesterday!' Jane: 'Whoa, Tom! ____'
Jane is warning Tom to slow down and think because he is making a huge decision very quickly.
Identify the meaning of the proverb in this sentence: 'The CEO decided to look before he leaped by hiring a consultant.'
What did the CEO do?
In this context, hiring a consultant is the 'look'—the preparation before the big action.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
When to Look Before You Leap
Money
- • Buying a house
- • Investing
- • Lending money
Life
- • Marriage
- • Moving city
- • Quitting job
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosIt's a big investment, so make sure you look before you ____.
The standard form of the proverb always uses the word 'leap.'
Choose the best scenario:
Researching a company is a form of 'looking' (checking for risks) before 'leaping' (investing money).
Tom: 'I'm going to marry Sarah! We met yesterday!' Jane: 'Whoa, Tom! ____'
Jane is warning Tom to slow down and think because he is making a huge decision very quickly.
What did the CEO do?
In this context, hiring a consultant is the 'look'—the preparation before the big action.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasThe correct proverb is 'Look before you leap.' While 'jump' means the same thing, 'leap' is the traditional word used for hundreds of years.
Yes! It is very common in business to encourage caution before a big investment or a new strategy.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your teacher, or your best friend.
The most common opposite is 'He who hesitates is lost,' which means you should act quickly.
Proverbs often use older or more poetic words. 'Leap' sounds more dramatic and creates a nice rhythm with 'Look'.
Yes, you can change the tense to talk about something that already happened.
Usually no. It's for big things with risks. Using it for a meal would be a joke.
It's based on Aesop's Fables from Ancient Greece, but the English version was popularized by John Heywood in 1546.
Yes, this is a common shortened version used as a noun phrase.
Yes, it is equally common in British, American, Australian, and Canadian English.
Frases relacionadas
Think twice
synonymTo consider a decision carefully.
Better safe than sorry
similarIt is better to be cautious than to regret a mistake.
He who hesitates is lost
contrastIf you wait too long to act, you will fail.
Due diligence
specialized formThe formal process of checking facts before a business deal.
