the early bird catches the worm
Success comes to those who start early
直訳: The bird that wakes up early is the one that catches the worm for food.
Use this to encourage someone to act quickly or arrive early to secure an advantage.
15秒でわかる
- Being first gives you the best chance of success.
- Arriving early helps you beat the competition.
- Used to praise punctuality and proactive behavior.
意味
If you start your work or arrive at an event before everyone else, you have a much better chance of succeeding. It is all about the competitive advantage of being first.
主な例文
3 / 6Buying concert tickets
I'm logging on at 8:00 AM sharp; the early bird catches the worm!
I'm logging on at 8:00 AM sharp; success comes to those who start early!
Encouraging a colleague
If we submit our proposal today, we might win the contract. The early bird catches the worm.
If we submit our proposal today, we might win the contract. Success comes to those who start early.
Texting a friend about a sale
The store opens at 6. Let's go! Early bird catches the worm! 🐛
The store opens at 6. Let's go! Success comes to those who start early!
文化的背景
This phrase dates back to at least 1670 in John Ray's collection of English proverbs. it reflects a long-standing Western cultural value that links early rising with moral character and financial success. It is so famous that it has inspired many 'anti-proverbs' in modern pop culture.
The 'Early Bird' Noun
You can use 'early bird' as an adjective. Many restaurants offer an 'early bird special,' which is a cheaper menu for people who eat dinner early (usually 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM).
Don't be 'That' Person
While it's a positive phrase, using it to brag about your 4 AM workout can come across as annoying. Use it to encourage others, not just to talk about yourself!
15秒でわかる
- Being first gives you the best chance of success.
- Arriving early helps you beat the competition.
- Used to praise punctuality and proactive behavior.
What It Means
Think of a bird in the garden at sunrise. The first bird out of the nest finds the most food. Everyone else gets the leftovers. In human life, this means being proactive. If you want the best job, apply first. If you want the best seat, arrive early. It is a reward for your effort and discipline.
How To Use It
You can use this as a full sentence to give advice. You can also use it to explain why you are waking up at 5:00 AM. It works as a noun phrase too. You might call someone an early bird if they love mornings. It is a very flexible way to praise hard work. Just don't say it to someone who just missed their alarm!
When To Use It
Use it when you are planning something competitive. It is perfect for talking about limited sales at a store. Use it when discussing career goals with a mentor. It is great for encouraging a friend to study early. If you are booking a cheap flight, this phrase fits perfectly. It shows you are organized and ready to win.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase if someone is grieving or has suffered a real tragedy. Do not use it if the timing was not the problem. If your friend is a 'night owl,' they might find it annoying. It can sound a bit 'preachy' if you say it too often. Nobody likes a person who brags about their 4:00 AM gym session. Use it sparingly to stay likable.
Cultural Background
This idiom has been around since the 1600s. It first appeared in a book of proverbs by John Ray. It reflects the 'Protestant work ethic' common in English-speaking cultures. We value punctuality and 'the hustle.' In the US and UK, being early is often seen as being respectful. It suggests you are a leader, not a follower.
Common Variations
You will often hear people simply say, The early bird gets the worm. Sometimes, people make a joke: The second mouse gets the cheese. This implies that being first is actually dangerous! You can also just call someone an early bird. For example: I'm an early bird, so I'll see you at breakfast. It is a staple of English conversation.
使い方のコツ
The phrase is highly recognizable and safe for B2 learners. It functions as a complete sentence or a proverb to justify being early.
The 'Early Bird' Noun
You can use 'early bird' as an adjective. Many restaurants offer an 'early bird special,' which is a cheaper menu for people who eat dinner early (usually 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM).
Don't be 'That' Person
While it's a positive phrase, using it to brag about your 4 AM workout can come across as annoying. Use it to encourage others, not just to talk about yourself!
The Second Mouse
A popular funny response is: 'The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.' This means sometimes it's better to wait and let someone else take the risk first!
例文
6I'm logging on at 8:00 AM sharp; the early bird catches the worm!
I'm logging on at 8:00 AM sharp; success comes to those who start early!
Using the phrase to justify being ready the moment tickets go on sale.
If we submit our proposal today, we might win the contract. The early bird catches the worm.
If we submit our proposal today, we might win the contract. Success comes to those who start early.
A professional way to motivate a team to work faster.
The store opens at 6. Let's go! Early bird catches the worm! 🐛
The store opens at 6. Let's go! Success comes to those who start early!
Short, punchy use in a text message with an emoji.
I know the early bird catches the worm, but this bird needs more coffee.
I know being early is good, but I am still very tired.
A humorous way to acknowledge the phrase while complaining about being tired.
You should apply for that internship now. Remember, the early bird catches the worm.
You should apply for that internship now. Remember, success comes to those who start early.
Giving sincere advice to someone seeking an opportunity.
I'm the first one here! I guess the early bird catches the worm.
I'm the first one here! I guess being early has its rewards.
Used to break the ice when you are the first guest to arrive.
自分をテスト
Complete the sentence to encourage your friend to book their holiday early.
You should book your flights now while they are cheap. The early bird ___.
The standard idiom uses 'catches the worm' to represent the reward for being early.
Which person is an 'early bird'?
Sarah is an early bird. She usually ___.
An 'early bird' is a person who wakes up or starts their day very early.
🎉 スコア： /2
ビジュアル学習ツール
When to use 'The Early Bird Catches the Worm'
Talking to friends about waking up or shopping.
Let's get to the beach early. Early bird catches the worm!
General advice or workplace motivation.
We should launch the product first. The early bird catches the worm.
Speeches or professional writing (use sparingly).
In this industry, the early bird catches the worm.
Common Scenarios for Success
Black Friday Sales
Waiting in line at 4 AM.
Job Applications
Applying the hour a job is posted.
Travel
Booking flights 6 months in advance.
Education
Starting an essay two weeks early.
よくある質問
10 問Yes, it is very common in both the US and UK. You will hear it in offices, schools, and casual conversations.
Yes, but keep it professional. You might say, I'd like to get a head start on this project; after all, the early bird catches the worm.
The opposite is a night owl. This is someone who is most productive and awake late at night.
Both are correct and used frequently. Catches the worm is slightly more traditional, but gets the worm is very common in modern speech.
No, it refers to any situation where acting sooner than others provides an advantage, like investing money or buying tickets.
It is neutral. It is safe to use with your boss or with your best friend.
Usually, no. It is almost always used for positive outcomes or rewards for being fast.
It refers to a discount offered by businesses (like restaurants or hotels) to customers who arrive early.
Yes, people often just say, Early bird! when they see someone arriving early.
It is a literal observation of nature; worms often come to the surface in the early morning dew before the sun gets too hot.
関連フレーズ
First come, first served
People will be dealt with in the exact order they arrive.
To get a head start
To begin something before your competitors do.
Hit the ground running
To start a new activity with great energy and immediate success.
The second mouse gets the cheese
A humorous warning that being first can sometimes be risky.
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