measure twice and cut once

An axiom that encourages careful first steps in order to avoid extra work later on. I have to go back to the store because I cut the wrong size out of my last piece of material. "Measure twice and cut once" should be my new motto!

See also: and, cut, measure, once, twice

See also:

measure twice, cut once
Sod's law
Murphy's law
be careful
if you can't be good, be careful
wish
cut (oneself) with (something)
cut with
destroy (one)
destroyed

References in periodicals archive

Make sure to measure twice and cut once! Once your metal screen is cut, wrap it around your jar to be sure it's the right size.

Make Your Own Flower Vase D.I.Y

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