good things come to those who wait
Meaning
Being patient is rewarded; waiting calmly can lead to positive outcomes.
Origin
A proverb popularized in English by the 19th century; it echoes older European sayings about patience being rewarded and was later reinforced by advertising and common usage.
Notes
A common proverb used to encourage patience or persistence. It can sound clichéd and may be used ironically if waiting isn’t actually productive.
Examples
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I know the promotion feels far off, but good things come to those who wait.
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She didn’t rush into a relationship, believing that good things come to those who wait.
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The garden took months to bloom, proving that good things come to those who wait.
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We’ll keep refining the product—good things come to those who wait.
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He saved up patiently for years, because good things come to those who wait.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed proverb; usually used as a complete sentence. Variants exist (e.g., “Good things come to those who wait.”). Less common: dropping “who.”
Synonyms
- patience is a virtue
- all in good time
- good things take time
Antonyms
- he who hesitates is lost
- strike while the iron is hot