the early bird catches the worm

proverb/ðə ˈɜːrli bɜːrd ˈkætʃɪz ðə wɜːrm/ 🔊 listen

The early bird catches the worm is an English proverb meaning that whoever acts first has the best chance of success. Getting an early start — arriving, applying, or preparing before others — gives you the advantage.

📖 Meanings

1the person who acts first gets the best opportunity
"I booked my tickets months ago — the early bird catches the worm." — I booked my tickets months ago — acting early paid off.
2the value of starting without delay
"Apply now; the early bird catches the worm." — Apply now; those who act first win.

🔄 Related proverbs

strike while the iron is hot →first come first served →time waits for no one →

💬 Common patterns

the early bird catches the wormremember, the early bird...be an early bird
❓ Which proverb says you must act early to seize an opportunity?