Signification
It is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
Contexte culturel
The 'quart d'heure de politesse' is a real social rule where being slightly late is better than being early. In Quebec, the phrase is just as common but might be followed by more direct apologies as North American business culture is more punctual. Swiss French speakers are generally more punctual than their French neighbors, so this phrase might be used with more genuine sheepishness. Time can be viewed more fluidly in social contexts, and proverbs are frequently used to smooth over social friction.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this sarcastically when someone does something that should have been done ages ago. Use a flat tone.
Don't over-rely on it
If you use this every time you are late, people will stop finding it charming and start finding it annoying.
Signification
It is better to do something late than not to do it at all.
The Sarcastic Twist
You can use this sarcastically when someone does something that should have been done ages ago. Use a flat tone.
Don't over-rely on it
If you use this every time you are late, people will stop finding it charming and start finding it annoying.
The 'Il' Drop
Dropping the 'Il' makes you sound much more like a native speaker. 'Il vaut mieux...' sounds like a textbook.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct verb form.
Mieux ____ tard que jamais.
The verb 'valoir' (to be worth) is used in this fixed expression.
In which situation is this phrase MOST appropriate?
You forgot your friend's birthday yesterday and you are calling them now.
This phrase is used to apologize for a delay while still completing the action.
Which of these is the correct French proverb?
Select the standard form:
This is the fixed, canonical form of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Je t'envoie enfin les photos de notre voyage d'il y a deux ans !' B: '_______ !'
B is acknowledging the long delay in receiving the photos.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMieux ____ tard que jamais.
The verb 'valoir' (to be worth) is used in this fixed expression.
You forgot your friend's birthday yesterday and you are calling them now.
This phrase is used to apologize for a delay while still completing the action.
Select the standard form:
This is the fixed, canonical form of the proverb.
A: 'Je t'envoie enfin les photos de notre voyage d'il y a deux ans !' B: '_______ !'
B is acknowledging the long delay in receiving the photos.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes, but keep it for minor delays. For major missed deadlines, a formal apology is better.
It is 'vaut' with a 't' because it is the third person singular of the verb valoir.
Not really, the four words are already very short and punchy.
It's understandable, but 'jamais' is the standard proverbial form.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, and colleagues.
Usually no, it's quite positive and encouraging.
It's a soft sound in the back of the throat. Don't roll it like in Spanish.
There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'Il est trop tard' (It is too late) expresses the opposite sentiment.
Yes, if someone arrives late to a party, you can say it to them.
No, never. It's always silent.
It's an old grammatical style that survived in proverbs. Modern French often drops subjects in fixed expressions.
Yes, it is universally understood across the Francophonie.
It might sound a bit dramatic for 1 minute, but you can use it as a joke.
It comes from 'valoir', which means 'to be worth'.
Expressions liées
Il n'est jamais trop tard
similarIt is never too late.
Tout vient à point à qui sait attendre
similarEverything comes to those who wait.
Plus de peur que de mal
contrastMore fear than harm.
Aussitôt dit, aussitôt fait
contrastNo sooner said than done.
