Having a clear understanding of anything is the key to using that thing correctly and effectively. The expression “well begun is half done” is not one that you will always come across, but there is a lot you can learn about this idiom that will amaze you.
The idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” means when you start a project well, it is easier to complete the project. Once you begin executing a project well, you do not need to exert much energy into finishing it. When a task is started excellently, it will have a successful end.
As simple as this expression’s meaning is easy, you may find it surprising that you have not come across it before. You should have no worries; we guarantee you a good time while providing a deeper insight into the meaning and correct usage of this idiomatic expression.
What Does The Expression “Well Begun Is Half Done” Mean?
Most idiomatic expressions have two meanings, the literal meaning, and the figurative meaning. The literal meaning is derived from the phrase’s words, while the figurative meaning is the expression’s hidden meaning. You will not always figure out the figurative meaning of an idiomatic expression by looking at it literally.
Using idiomatic expressions correctly when writing depends on how good you are in differentiating the literal meaning from the figurative meaning, and you cannot guess what an idiom means.
We will then discuss the meaning of the idiomatic expression “well begun is half done.” To use this expression correctly depends on your understanding of the expression; hence you need to know the hidden meaning of this expression.
The idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” means that finishing a thing will not be a problem once you start it correctly. It means it is easier to finish when you have started well.
It also means a good beginning makes a better and desirable ending, and success is assured when you start well. The expression “well begun is half done” can also mean the achievement of an endeavor is dependent on the beginning.
The expression also means when you start a project or analysis well, there is a guarantee that completing the project will not take too much effort, and there is also an increase in the chance of success of that project.
When you use the expression, it can also mean an event will be successful because much effort has been put into the event’s planning. It also means taking the first step to convey an idea into reality, and every other thing will fall in place.
These meanings will give a better understanding of what the expression infers when it is used in a sentence.
The Origin Of The Expression “Well Begun Is Half Done”
The expression “well begun is half done” was first used by Aristotle, who died 322 B.C. However, some historians claim the expression is said to have existed before Aristotle used it.
The idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” was first used by the Greek philosopher Aristotle in his eight-book treatise, which described the importance of politics leading to a virtuous life. This book was written in 300BC.
This idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” was also used in the movie titled Mary Poppins in 1964, where she said, ‘our first game is called well begun is half done, otherwise entitled let us tidy up the nursery.’
Many writers have used the phrase since it became popular; Richard Baron also wrote a book titled “well begun is half done,” which was initially published in 1858. The expression has also been used in lots of articles, essays, and speeches.
The Chaldean and Pythagorean numerical value for this idiomatic expression is 8 and 5 respectively. This idiomatic expression has been in use in Old, Middle, and New English, going from century to century without losing its meaning.
How People Use The Phrase “Well Begun Is Half Done”
The phrase “well begun is half done” is used when describing the importance of starting a task well and the best manner to reduce the effort and work required to complete such a task.
You can also use the idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” when telling someone why they should put much effort into the beginning of any project or job to help increase the chances of succeeding in that project.
You can also use the phrase to tell parents the importance of training their child when they are still young to grow up to be responsible and give them peace of mind.
The idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” is used when you take a first step in bringing an idea to reality, then every other thing required will fall into place because you have started well.
It is common knowledge that what is “well begun is half done” because the first step or the introductory part of anything shows that the remaining aspect will not be challenging. Such activity will be a success.
When a person puts much effort into the beginning of a project, task, or activity, that project will eventually turn out right and made easy for completion; in this scenario, you can say what is “well begun is half done.”
Just like building a house, for instance, the foundation is the beginning of such a project; once the foundation is firm and well built, building the house will be easier and flourishing; that is to say, what is “well begun is half done.”
The idiomatic expression “well begun is half done” is used to describe the character of determination and diligence. You can only use the phrase when someone has put much effort into starting a task or project.
Descriptive Explanation Of How To Use The Phrase “Well Begun Is Half Done”
A way to use the expression is to start preparing for something like an interview long before the day of the interview to have a better chance at getting the job because you are well-prepared.
An example that shows how you can use the phrase is,
Victor has a job interview next week. Nevertheless, he started putting his resume, cover letter, certificates, and recommendations together last month; he also studied the job description and duties to be fully prepared. The action of Victor preparing for an interview a month before the interview explains how to use the phrase “well begun is half done” correctly.
Illustrative Examples Of The Use Of The Phrase “Well Begun Is Half Done”
Next, we will look at some examples that further clarify the use of the expression “well begun is half done.”
- Joseph was lazy about writing the essay, so I told him to focus on the essay’s introduction because well begun is half done.
- If well begun is half done, then I have to make sure I have everything I need to start my first day at the office.
- The event planner urged all the workers to find a suitable hall for the wedding because what is well begun is half done.
- He has already gotten the first five questions right; we all think he might win the competition after all well begun is half done.
- Jane was telling Daniel that the company’s new project is a challenging job, but Daniel assured her that what is well begun is half done, so once she has gotten the primary software in place and it has been tested, the rest of the job will be easy.
- Victor is job hunting, and Mathew advised him that well begun is half done, all he has to do is perfect his resume, and he stands a better chance at getting a job.
- Jane was worried about not finishing the report, but Anita told her that it would not be a big deal anymore; after all, what is well begun is half done since she has already written a good introduction.
- Johnson was considering opening a shop, so I told him well begun is half done; hence he needs to have enough capital and other resources to succeed.
- The architect pleaded with the builders to make sure no mistakes were made during the building of the foundation because well begun is half done; no one wants a house that is on the brink of collapsing.
- Well begun is half done; we hope that this year’s batch of students appreciates the need for hard work right from the beginning.
- Dave started preparing for his semester exams at the beginning of the semester because he believed the quote his mother always said, well begun is half done.
- Dad always says as long as you start good, you will succeed because well begun is half done.
English Idioms
Final Thoughts
With the new understanding of the phrase “well begun is half done,” you should be able to use it correctly in a sentence. You know the perfect situation the expression fits into and explains perfectly.
Writing is fun, but by spicing up your writings with proverbs, idiomatic expressions, and other exciting expressions, many people will enjoy your writing and look forward to reading more of your writings.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.