ɡʊd θɪŋz kʌm tuː ðoʊz huː weɪt
Time
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Desirable outcomes arrive for patient people
What does "good things come to those who wait" mean?
- Patience eventually leads to reward
- Being patient will bring good results in time
Examples
- I know you want results now, but good things come to those who wait.
- She waited years for the promotion, proving that good things come to those who wait.
- Be patient with your investments—good things come to those who wait.
Origin
A proverb with roots in religious texts ("patience is a virtue") and Victorian-era morality. Used to encourage patience and delayed gratification.
How to use it
Encouraging expression for patience. Sometimes used ironically when waiting seems pointless.
Similar expressions
patience is rewarded
all in good time
Opposites
strike while the iron is hot
seize the day
Related idioms
- in the long run
Over a long period of time
- better late than never
It's better to do something late than not to do it at all
- 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
Use it in a practice answer
Try "good things come to those who wait" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.