Look before you leap Meaning in English
expression
ˈɫʊk/ /ˌbiˈfɔɹ/, /bɪˈfɔɹ/ /ˈju/ /ˈɫip
LUUK bee-FOR yoo LEEP
lˈʊk/ /bɪfˈɔː/ /jˈuː/ /lˈiːp
luuk bif-AW yoo LEEP
Definition
An expression that means you should carefully consider the risks or consequences before taking action.
Usage & Nuances
This is a proverb, often used to give advice about acting cautiously. It’s suitable in both formal and informal settings. Often used when someone is making a big decision. It means 'think before you act,' not just 'be careful.'
Spanish: piénsalo antes de actuar - mira antes de saltarPortuguese (BR): pense antes de agir - veja antes de pularPortuguese (PT): pensa antes de agir - vê antes de saltarChinese (Simplified): 三思而后行Chinese (Traditional): 三思而後行Hindi: सोच समझकर कदम बढ़ाओArabic: فكر قبل أن تقدم على شيءBengali: ভেবে দেখে কাজ করা - আগে ভাবো, তারপর কাজ করোRussian: семь раз отмерь, один раз отрежь - думай прежде чем действоватьJapanese: 石橋を叩いて渡る - よく考えてから行動するVietnamese: uốn lưỡi bảy lần trước khi nói - suy nghĩ kỹ trước khi hành độngKorean: 돌다리도 두드려 보고 건너라 - 신중하게 행동하다Turkish: harekete geçmeden önce iki kere düşün - adım atmadan önce iyice düşünUrdu: سوچ سمجھ کر قدم اٹھانا - پہلے سوچو، پھر کروIndonesian: pikir dulu sebelum bertindak - pikir sebelum melangkah
Example Sentences
Before you make a big decision, remember to look before you leap.
basic
It’s smart to look before you leap in business deals.
basic
My mom always tells me to look before you leap.
basic
You should really look before you leap—moving to a new city is a big deal.
natural
I wish I had listened to the advice to look before you leap.
natural
Trust me, you don’t want to rush into this—look before you leap!
natural