THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Look before you leap
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Consider the possible problems and consequences before taking action.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Before joining the course, look before you leap and check its timetable.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Before joining the course, ________ and check its timetable.
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Look before you leap — Consider the possible problems and consequences before taking action.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Look before you leap” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
Consider the possible problems and consequences before taking action.
Compare: Before joining the course, look before you leap and check its timetable.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this saying to encourage a careful decision before a commitment or change. It is common advice, though it can sound patronising if the other person has already considered the risks.
More examples in context
- I like the idea, but we should look before we leap and read the agreement carefully.
- She looked before she leaped, comparing costs before choosing a venue.
Usage note
The words can change to match the subject: “look before we leap”. It encourages checking consequences, rather than avoiding all action or requiring a literal jump.
A short conversation
A: I’m thinking of renting this workspace today.
B: Look before you leap. Have you checked what the monthly fee includes?
A: Not yet. I’ll ask before I commit.
One more practice question
Which action follows the advice “Look before you leap”?
A. Enrolling without reading any details.
B. Checking the course requirements before enrolling.
Check your answer
B. Checking first helps you understand the consequences before acting.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.