if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
proverb 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."
See also: again, first, if, try
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
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.
See also: again, first, if, try
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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.
See also: again, first, if, try
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- teach a man to fish
- it takes a village
- village
- the best-laid plans
- the best-laid plans go astray
- the best-laid plans of mice and men
- best-laid plans go astray, the
- bigger they are, the harder they fall
- bigger they come, the harder they fall, the
- blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed