proverb · Words worth keeping
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying pairs hope for a favourable result with preparation for an unfavourable one. It allows optimism and contingency planning together.
What the words are saying
The two instructions concern attitudes and preparations rather than predictions. A useful application identifies plausible alternatives and suitable responses without assuming either the best or worst will happen. The supplied positive-occurrence claim is not a guarantee.
Everyday example
A group plans for its preferred result and considers a manageable alternative if that result does not occur.
When to use it
Use it to discuss hope alongside proportionate preparation.
What it does not mean
Neither outcome is promised, and preparation need not assume the worst is certain.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 520; PDF page 76
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.