ˈbetər leɪt ðæn ˈnevər
Time
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Arriving late is better than not arriving at all
What does "better late than never" mean?
- It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- Even a delayed action is better than no action
Examples
- You finally submitted your assignment. Better late than never!
- He apologized after ten years—better late than never, I suppose.
- I know the birthday card is a week late, but better late than never.
Origin
This proverb has ancient roots and appears in similar form in many languages. Geoffrey Chaucer used a version of it in the 14th century. It reflects a universal human understanding about the value of eventual action.
How to use it
Often said with slight humor or resignation. Can be genuine encouragement or mild criticism for lateness.
Similar expressions
at long last
finally
Opposites
too little too late
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- from time to time
occasionally, not regularly
- in the nick of time
Just in time; at the last possible moment
- run out of time
to have no more time left to do something
- time flies when you're having fun
Enjoyable moments seem to pass quickly
- have the time of one's life
to have an extremely enjoyable experience
Use it in a practice answer
Try "better late than never" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.