What does ‘practice makes perfect’ mean?

To “practice makes perfect” means to repeated effort produces skill. Brewer's records this as an old English proverb.

Origin

  • Brewer's records this as an old English proverb.

How to use it

  • Standard encouragement to keep working.
  • Example: Keep drilling the scales — practice makes perfect.

Source:

Last verified: 2026-07-18

  • Definitions and origins are drawn from public-domain reference works, primarily Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898), with modern usage notes clearly marked.

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