look before you leap
Meaning
Think carefully and check risks before you act, especially before making an important decision.
Origin
A traditional proverb meaning you should assess danger before acting. It appears in medieval collections of proverbs and became common in English through early modern literature and moral advice.
Notes
Advisory, proverb-like tone. Implies caution and due diligence before committing. Used in speech or writing; can sound mildly lecturing if directed at someone.
Examples
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Before you quit your job, look before you leap and make sure you have savings.
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He rushed into buying the house, but his sister warned him to look before you leap.
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If you’re thinking of moving abroad, look before you leap and research the visa rules.
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The contract sounded great, but I decided to look before I leap and read the fine print.
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Look before you leap—one wrong click can expose your account to scammers.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed proverb in imperative form: “look before you leap.” You can quote it after a clause (“—look before you leap.”). Pronouns/articles aren’t inserted; tense changes are uncommon, though “looking before leaping” appears as a gerund phrase.
Synonyms
- think twice
- be cautious
- exercise caution
- do your homework
- look before you jump
Antonyms
- act on impulse
- leap before you look
- rush in
- shoot from the hip