English idiom - Page 2 - English Spanish Translator Org: Translation Forum � Translators Forums

Amy · 04-28-2007, 05:36 PM

I don't know the Spanish equivalent but the English idiom is actually "better safe than sorry."

serrabecerra · 04-30-2007, 06:15 AM

I would say
mejor seguro que arrepentido

Aelann · 05-08-2007, 07:05 PM

It really confused me.

Veronica · 05-09-2007, 03:34 PM

The English is "Better safe than sorry", and I think the most accurate would be "Mejor prevenir que curar".

But apparently the sayings change according to the country, at least "mejor prevenir..." is used in Argentina!
Bye everyone!

Mexican Translator · 07-03-2007, 02:59 PM

"M�s vale prevenir que lamentar"

(suena bien...)

Thomas · 07-03-2007, 04:50 PM

I am not sure how many of you understood that Elmeromero correctly pointed out that the expression is "Better safe than sorry", not "Better sure than sorry." Emilyb's post had very good equivalents in Spanish. The idea is that it's better to take some time and prepare for possible dangers/problems than it is to do nothing, hope for the best, and then -- when things go to hell -- be sorry that you had not done anything.

An example would be taking extra water in the car during a trip. You don't expect to need the water, but you take it. If there is no need for it, big deal. What have you lost? Five minutes? However, if there is a problem with the radiator, if you spill mustard on your shirt, if you need to clean the windshield and you are miles from the nearest gas station, you are going to be very happy that you have the extra water with you. Better safe than sorry.

04-30-2007, 06:15 AM	#12
serrabecerra Forum User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: New Jersey, USA Posts: 53 Rep Power: 51	I would say mejor seguro que arrepentido __________________ *~ Claudia*

05-09-2007, 03:34 PM	#14
Veronica Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Argentina Posts: 811 Rep Power: 297	The English is "Better safe than sorry", and I think the most accurate would be "Mejor prevenir que curar". But apparently the sayings change according to the country, at least "mejor prevenir..." is used in Argentina! Bye everyone! __________________ mmm...papas fritas.

07-03-2007, 04:50 PM	#16
Thomas Contributing User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Santo Domingo de Heredia, Costa Rica Age: 66 Posts: 197 Rep Power: 328	Safe/Sure? I am not sure how many of you understood that Elmeromero correctly pointed out that the expression is "Better safe than sorry", not "Better sure than sorry." Emilyb's post had very good equivalents in Spanish. The idea is that it's better to take some time and prepare for possible dangers/problems than it is to do nothing, hope for the best, and then -- when things go to hell -- be sorry that you had not done anything. An example would be taking extra water in the car during a trip. You don't expect to need the water, but you take it. If there is no need for it, big deal. What have you lost? Five minutes? However, if there is a problem with the radiator, if you spill mustard on your shirt, if you need to clean the windshield and you are miles from the nearest gas station, you are going to be very happy that you have the extra water with you. Better safe than sorry. Last edited by Thomas : 07-03-2007 at 04:56 PM.

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04-28-2007, 05:36 PM	#11
Amy New Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Kansas City Posts: 5 Rep Power: 35	I don't know the Spanish equivalent but the English idiom is actually "better safe than sorry."

05-08-2007, 07:05 PM	#13
Aelann New Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1 Rep Power: 0	It really confused me.

07-03-2007, 02:59 PM	#15
Mexican Translator Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 260 Rep Power: 429	"M�s vale prevenir que lamentar" (suena bien...)

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