longest way round is the shortest way home

the longest way round is the shortest way home

proverb Doing something carefully and properly will ultimately prove the quickest and most efficacious method, as trying to cut corners will cause problems that require more time and effort down the line. Just follow the instructions! If you jump ahead, we'll have to waste time undoing everything you messed up. The longest way round is the shortest way home. I don't mind if it takes a little longer to write—I'd rather get the report right the first time instead of having to do continuous touchups to it. The longest way round is the shortest way home.
See also: home, long, round, short, way
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

longest way round is the shortest way home

 and longest way round is the nearest way home
Prov. It may seem as if it will take too long to do something carefully and according to directions, but in fact it will take less time than doing something carelessly, because you will not have to fix it afterwards. I would advise you to read the instructions before trying to use your new stereo. It takes some time, but the longest way round is the nearest way home.
See also: home, long, round, short, way
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • the longest way round is the nearest way home
  • the longest way round is the shortest way home
  • teach a man to fish
  • village
  • it takes a village
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
  • chickens come home to roost