better late than never
It's better to do something late than not at all
Use this to soften the blow when you're late or finally finishing a long-overdue task.
Em 15 segundos
- Doing something late is superior to not doing it at all.
- A polite way to acknowledge lateness while staying positive.
- Used for late arrivals, late tasks, or late life milestones.
Significado
It's a way to say that arriving or finishing something late is still a good thing. It is much better to show up eventually than to never show up at all.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Arriving at a friend's dinner party late
I'm so sorry I missed the appetizers, but better late than never!
I'm so sorry I missed the appetizers, but better late than never!
Submitting a work report after the deadline
Here is the final report; better late than never, right?
Here is the final report; better late than never, right?
Texting a friend back after a long delay
Finally replying to your text! Better late than never!
Finally replying to your text! Better late than never!
Contexto cultural
This phrase has roots dating back to the 1200s and appears in Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'. It reflects a Western cultural value that emphasizes completion and persistence over perfect timing. While punctuality is highly prized in English-speaking cultures, this idiom serves as a social 'safety valve' to maintain relationships despite delays.
The Sarcastic Twist
If a friend says this to you when you arrive late, they might be teasing you. Pay attention to their tone of voice!
The 'Belated' Connection
In English, we often use the word `belated` with this phrase, especially for birthdays (e.g., 'Happy belated birthday! Better late than never!').
Em 15 segundos
- Doing something late is superior to not doing it at all.
- A polite way to acknowledge lateness while staying positive.
- Used for late arrivals, late tasks, or late life milestones.
What It Means
This phrase is your best friend when you are running behind schedule. It means that doing something late still has value. Even if you missed the deadline, the effort still counts. It turns a negative situation into a small positive victory. Think of it as a polite way to apologize for being late.
How To Use It
You usually say this when you finally arrive at a party. You can also use it when sending a late birthday card. It works as a standalone sentence or a comment. Just drop it into the conversation after you apologize. It helps lower the tension when people are waiting for you. It shows you know you are late but you still care.
When To Use It
Use it when you meet a friend for coffee twenty minutes late. Use it when you finally finish a project your boss wanted yesterday. It is perfect for texting a reply after three days of silence. It also works for big life goals, like starting university at age fifty. It celebrates the fact that you actually did the thing.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for extremely serious or tragic delays. If you miss a wedding ceremony entirely, this might sound too casual. Avoid using it if your lateness caused a major disaster. If a doctor arrives late for surgery, this phrase is definitely not okay. It can sound like a lazy excuse if used too often. Don't use it if you aren't actually sorry.
Cultural Background
This expression has been around for a very long time. It was first recorded in English around the year 1200. It likely comes from older Latin or Greek proverbs. Western culture values punctuality, but we also value persistence. This phrase balances those two ideas perfectly. It is one of the most common idioms in the English-speaking world.
Common Variations
Sometimes people shorten it to just Better late. Your friends will know exactly what you mean. You might also hear Better late than never, I suppose for extra modesty. In sarcastic situations, someone might say it to you if you are very late. But usually, it is a kind way to accept an apology. It keeps the mood light and moving forward.
Notas de uso
This phrase is incredibly versatile and fits almost any situation where a delay has occurred. However, avoid using it in high-stakes professional environments where a delay has caused financial loss or safety issues.
The Sarcastic Twist
If a friend says this to you when you arrive late, they might be teasing you. Pay attention to their tone of voice!
The 'Belated' Connection
In English, we often use the word `belated` with this phrase, especially for birthdays (e.g., 'Happy belated birthday! Better late than never!').
Don't Overuse It
If you are late every single day, saying this will start to annoy people. It's best for occasional accidents!
Exemplos
6I'm so sorry I missed the appetizers, but better late than never!
I'm so sorry I missed the appetizers, but better late than never!
A classic way to enter a social gathering after it has started.
Here is the final report; better late than never, right?
Here is the final report; better late than never, right?
Adds a touch of lightheartedness to a professional mistake.
Finally replying to your text! Better late than never!
Finally replying to your text! Better late than never!
Acknowledges the delay in a friendly, low-pressure way.
I finally learned to swim at sixty—better late than never.
I finally learned to swim at sixty—better late than never.
Used to show pride in an achievement regardless of age.
Oh, look who decided to show up! Well, better late than never.
Oh, look who decided to show up! Well, better late than never.
Used with a wink to tease a friend who is always late.
Happy belated birthday! Better late than never!
Happy belated birthday! Better late than never!
The standard phrase for late holiday or birthday wishes.
Teste-se
Choose the correct phrase to complete the apology.
I forgot to call you on your graduation day, but ___!
The idiom 'better late than never' is the standard way to apologize for a delayed action.
Which response fits a friend arriving 30 minutes late to lunch?
Friend: 'Sorry I'm late!' You: 'No worries, ___.'
This phrase accepts the apology while acknowledging the lateness in a kind way.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality of 'Better late than never'
Used with friends and family for minor delays.
Texting a friend: 'Coming! Better late than never!'
Standard use in most social and work situations.
Arriving late to a meeting: 'Sorry everyone, better late than never.'
Can be risky; might seem too casual for serious errors.
Missing a major legal deadline.
When to say 'Better late than never'
Late Birthday
Sending a card 2 days late
Life Goals
Starting college at age 40
Social Events
Arriving at a party at 10 PM
Work Tasks
Turning in a report on Tuesday instead of Monday
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, but keep it for minor things. If you are sending a document a few hours late, saying better late than never is a nice, human touch.
It depends on your tone. If you say it kindly when they arrive, it's welcoming. If you say it with a frown, it sounds like you are complaining about their lateness.
It means the alternative is not doing the action at all. It suggests that even a late result is a success compared to a total failure.
Yes, people often just say Better late than... and trail off, or simply Better late!
Absolutely. It is often used for life milestones, like I finally got my driver's license at 40—better late than never!
It is neutral. It is safe to use with your boss, your grandma, or your best friend.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but people might say Better never than late if a delay caused a complete disaster, though this is very rare.
Yes, many languages have a version of this, like 'Más vale tarde que nunca' in Spanish or 'Mieux vaut tard que jamais' in French.
You can, but it might sound a bit dramatic or funny. It's usually used for more noticeable delays.
Yes, it is usually best to say I'm sorry first, then follow up with better late than never to lighten the mood.
Frases relacionadas
Better safe than sorry
It is better to be careful than to regret a mistake later.
The early bird catches the worm
Success comes to those who prepare and act early.
Fashionably late
Arriving slightly late to a social event to appear cool or busy.
About time
A slightly rude way to say you have been waiting a long time for something.
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