if at first you don't succeed, try, try again

Always continue to keep trying after an initial failure or setback, since success does not usually occur immediately. A: "We spent all this time building it, and now it doesn't even work! I'm so done." B: "Oh, come on, you probably just need to make some minor adjustments. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again."

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Prov. You have to keep trying until you get what you want. Jill: I spent all morning trying to fix the computer, and it still won't work. Jane: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. You'll learn that dance step eventually. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

if at first you don't succeed, try, try again

Don't let a first-time failure stop further attempts. For example, I know it's hard at first to shift gears without stalling but if at first you don't succeed . . . This seemingly ancient adage was first recorded only in 1840 but has become so well known that it is often shortened.