a stitch in time (saves nine)
idiom
—used to say that it is better to fix a problem when it is small than to wait and let it become a bigger problem
Examples of a stitch in time (saves nine) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The duo’s creator and forever naughty guiding light, Mike Judge, flows the characters into the present day without a hitch in style or a stitch in time.
—
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 June 2022
So telling a story about how a stitch in time saves nine, for instance, will likely be more effective in motivating people to adopt a new preventive maintenance system than simply relaying facts.
—Andy Bird, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 June 2022
So telling a story about how a stitch in time saves nine, for instance, will likely be more effective in motivating people to adopt a new preventive maintenance system than simply relaying facts.
—Andy Bird, Forbes, 27 Apr. 2022
Cite this Entry
“A stitch in time (saves nine).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20stitch%20in%20time%20%28saves%20nine%29. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share