The original meaning of speed in this proverb is ‘quickness in the performance of some action or operation’.
The more hast, the worse spede.
[c 1350 Douce MS 52 no. 86]
Moste tymes he seeth, the more haste the lesse speede.
[1546 J. Heywood Dialogue of Proverbs i. ii. A3V]
My penne is naught; gentlemen, lend me a knife. I thinke the more haste the worst speed.
[1595 Locrine (1908) I. ii.]
A mod'rate pace is best indeed. The greater hurry, the worse speed.
[1705 E. Ward Hudibras Redivivus i. i.]
Some days had been spent by the leisurely Dutchman in providing fresh supplies, and the stout bark's favourite maxim seemed to be—‘the more haste the less speed.’
[1887 Blackmore Springhaven III. xi.]
Tell me the story from the beginning. And take time. More haste, less speed, you know.
[1919 S. J. Weyman Great House xxvii.]
‘Working against the clock doesn't make for considered thought.’ ‘More haste, less speed,’ said Detective Constable Crosby helpfully.
[1993 ‘C. Aird’ Going Concern (1994) iv. 31]
Related to: haste; patience and impatience
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
The Oxford Dictionary of Proverbs. Copyright © 1982, 1992, 1998, 2003, 2004 by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
