measure twice, cut once

measure twice, 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, cut once" should be my new motto!
See also: cut, measure, once
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • measure twice and cut once
  • Murphy's law
  • be careful
  • if you can't be good, be careful
  • first
  • wish
  • work smarter, not harder
  • wind at (one's) back
  • Churchillian Drift
References in periodicals archive
Orlando's grandfather once told him, "measure twice, cut once" because all too often people don't always measure correctly.
The equipment revolution: moving from hammer and nail to state-of-the-art products, framers make more time and faster money with the newest in equipment technology. (Framing Business News)
But this project is meant to teach about something more crucial than the importance of "measure twice, cut once." It's part of a program that sows the seeds of religious diversity, understanding, and tolerance.
Sukkot show and tell
Time-management tips Especially likes three of Stephen Covey's seven tips for highly effective people: Start with the end in mind; first things first; measure twice, cut once. With this approach, "Things take on a more appropriate perspective and order can be brought to chaos."
Cultivator
After all, what company has never been burned for failing to practice the credo measure twice, cut once?
Paying the price of human error
A seasoned carpenter once remarked: measure twice, cut once. Good advice when you're building a home, and an absolutely critical strategy if you are a residential property developer re-engineering your enterprise-wide information system (IS).
RE-ENGINEERING YOUR INFORMATION SYSTEM TO KEEP UP WITH GROWTH
"Measure twice, cut once" is one of Ross Perot's favorite saws.
Perot's second coming
The old adage of "Measure twice, cut once" is rule one regarding guns.
So you wanna be a gunsmith?
Carpenters have a rule: Measure twice, cut once. The same is true for gardeners.
Hunker down, plan for spring
The plans I got from Project Dalek are really easy to follow and the main rule is "measure twice, cut once".
WHO'S THIS? Rob Bosher [...]
Measure twice, cut once. Oldest one in the book, but still true!
Carpentry tricks & advice
To be accurate, technicians had to rely on the carpenter's adage of "measure twice, cut once" to get secure readings.
Digital measuring arm compresses inspection process. (Manufacturing Solutions)
As carpenters often say, "Measure twice, cut once."
A glimpse of the future
As the tee-shirt wisdom goes, measure twice, cut once. (No doubt you sighed at that passively juiceless "his absence has been felt." Why not go on-line with what is real?
Amaze and gratify your readers
The old adage of "measure twice, cut once" applies, so chat with Karla and I'll bet between the two of you it will get sorted out up-front.
Cowboy or not?
Follow the old carpenter's rule: Measure twice, cut once.
Weatherstrip a wooden entry door