Measure a thousand times. Cut once.

What it means

Preparation is cheap and mistakes are expensive. Check, recheck and think it through before you make the move you cannot undo. Then cut cleanly and do not hesitate.

The source

"Measure a thousand times. Cut once." This Turkish proverb is recorded in Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880). Translated by Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880.

"Measure a thousand times, and cut once."

Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880, Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880). Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "Measure a thousand times. Cut once." mean?

Preparation is cheap and mistakes are expensive. Check, recheck and think it through before you make the move you cannot undo. Then cut cleanly and do not hesitate.

Who said "Measure a thousand times. Cut once."?

Turkish proverb. Source: Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880).

What is the original wording?

Measure a thousand times, and cut once (Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880). Translated by Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880.

Is "Measure a thousand times. Cut once." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Measure a thousand times. Cut once." (Turkish proverb, Turkish Proverbs Translated into English (S. Lazarus, Venice, 1880), trans. Mekhitarist translators (S. Lazarus, Venice), 1880). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/measure-a-thousand-times-cut-once