More haste worse speed.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Rushing can slow the overall task when it creates errors or rework. Aim for effective progress rather than assuming that a hurried pace always produces an earlier finish.

What the words are saying

The proverb separates haste from speed. Haste suggests a hurried approach that skips relevant care; speed is the useful rate at which the task reaches completion. A mistake caused by rushing can require a return to an earlier step and erase the apparent time saved. The saying is not an objection to working quickly with skill and preparation. Its useful question is which checks or actions protect the result, and which delays are unnecessary. A measured approach can be faster in the whole situation even if a particular step initially takes a little longer.

Everyday example

A volunteer checks the printing order before producing a large batch, avoiding a rapid run of pages that would all need replacing.

When to use it

Use it when hurried work is causing preventable mistakes that delay completion.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.