sharpening the axe won't delay the woodcutting; preparation saves time
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesproverb
sharpening the axe won't delay the woodcutting; time spent preparing is time well spent
Used to justify spending time on preparation before tackling a task. Emphasizes that good preparation prevents delays later.
Bié别
zháo着
jí急
kāi开
gōng工
，
xiān先
bǎ把
tú图
zhǐ纸
kàn看
qīng清
chu楚
，
mó磨
dāo刀
bù不
wù误
kǎn砍
chái柴
gōng工
。
Don't rush to start work; first look at the blueprints carefully—sharpening the axe won't delay the woodcutting.
Kǎo考
shì试
qián前
fù复
xí习
suī虽
rán然
huā花
shí时
jiān间
，
dàn但
mó磨
dāo刀
bù不
wù误
kǎn砍
chái柴
gōng工
，
néng能
bāng帮
nǐ你
kǎo考
de得
gèng更
hǎo好
。
Although reviewing before the exam takes time, sharpening the axe won't delay the woodcutting—it can help you score better.
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Lǎo老
bǎn板
，
gěi给
wǒ我
sān三
tiān天
shí时
jiān间
zhǔn准
bèi备
cái材
liào料
，
mó磨
dāo刀
bù不
wù误
kǎn砍
chái柴
gōng工
，
bǎo保
zhèng证
tí提
qián前
wán完
chéng成
rèn任
wu务
。
Boss, give me three days to prepare the materials—sharpening the axe won't delay the woodcutting, I guarantee I'll finish the task ahead of schedule.