What does ‘the early bird catches the worm’ mean?
To “the early bird catches the worm” means to those who act promptly gain the advantage. Brewer's lists this as an old English proverb, recorded in print by the 17th century.
Origin
- Brewer's lists this as an old English proverb, recorded in print by the 17th century.
How to use it
- Standard encouragement to start early on tasks or opportunities.
- Example: The sale opens at six — the early bird catches the worm.
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.