What Does "look before you leap" Mean?

look before you leap means think before acting.

Detailed Explanation

The idiom 'look before you leap' is widely used in everyday English to express the idea that think before acting. Unlike literal phrases, this idiom relies on shared cultural understanding rather than direct interpretation. Native speakers often choose this idiom because it communicates meaning efficiently and emotionally. In real conversations, it may appear in professional settings, casual discussions, or storytelling. Understanding this idiom allows learners to follow conversations more naturally and respond appropriately. Over time, 'look before you leap' has become a fixed expression in English, meaning it is recognized instantly by fluent speakers without needing further explanation. Learning how and when to use it helps improve fluency, comprehension, and confidence in real-world communication.

Real‑World Example

In a real workplace situation, someone might use 'look before you leap' when discussing a recent experience. For example, after a difficult project unexpectedly leads to a promotion or new opportunity, a colleague may describe the situation using this idiom to highlight how the outcome was better than expected.

Example Sentences