The early bird catches the worm
/ði ˌɜːrli ˈbɜːrd ˌkætʃɪz ðə ˈwɜːrm/neutral, informalUK · US · AU · IE · CA
What does “The early bird catches the worm” mean?
The early bird catches the worm means a person who acts early or arrives first has the best chance of succeeding.
This proverb means that taking early action gives you an advantage over others. If you arrive first or begin your work right away, you will find good opportunities that latecomers miss.
People usually say this in a friendly and encouraging way. It can be gentle advice to wake up early, or a simple reminder not to delay your work.
When do people say it?
People say this to encourage someone to start a task early or wake up on time.
“I arrived at the store before it opened, because the early bird catches the worm.”
Is it formal or informal?
Register: neutral, informal. It is most at home in both everyday conversation and professional writing. Most common in UK and US and AU and IE and CA.
Where does it come from?
This proverb first appeared in an English collection of sayings by William Camden in 1605. It compares an active person to a bird that finds food easily at sunrise.
Origin confidence: Well documented
How do you say “The early bird catches the worm” in other languages?
Last reviewed 2026-09-11