What does the proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” mean?
A. Repairing something early prevents the need for more extensive repairs later.
B. It is better to procrastinate and fix a problem later.
C. It is important to fix a problem only when it becomes serious.
D. It is better to replace something than to repair it.
Explanation:
The proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” means that it is better to take care of a problem early, rather than wait until it becomes more serious and requires more time, effort, and resources to fix. The proverb originates from the practice of sewing, where a small tear or hole in a garment can be easily mended with a few stitches, but if left unattended, the damage will become more extensive and difficult to repair.
Option B, “It is better to procrastinate and fix a problem later,” is the opposite of the proverb and is incorrect. Option C, “It is important to fix a problem only when it becomes serious,” is also incorrect because it goes against the message of the proverb to address problems early. Option D, “It is better to replace something than to repair it,” is not related to the proverb and is incorrect.
In summary, the proverb “A stitch in time saves nine” means that it is better to address a problem early, rather than wait until it becomes more serious and difficult to fix.