Slow and Steady Wins The Race Meaning, Examples, Usage

The meaning of the idiom slow and steady wins the race is that the best results come from consistent and effective efforts. This proverb reminds one of the ancient Greek story of the tortoise and the hare from Aesop’s Fables, which is well known to all Westerners. A tortoise is similar to a turtle, however, it lives on land rather than in water. A hare is a type of rabbit. Tortoises are notoriously slow, while rabbits are notoriously swift.

The tortoise and the hare are racing in the story. Because the tortoise is so far behind, the hare gets overconfident and figures he may take a nap before finishing the race. This is analogous to someone being overconfident and ceasing to work hard. While the hare is sleeping, the turtle keeps going and wins the race.

As a result, this story—and the phrase—reminds us that it is preferable to work steadily—moderately—every day rather than very hard for brief periods of time.

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Slow and Steady Wins the Race Meaning, Usage with Examples

The phrase can be applied to a wide range of situations. One might use the expression when seeking to reason with a friend or family member who they believe is on the verge of failing. Or, it might be used to explain how one is thinking about and acting on their own goals.

Mentioned below are the examples of the idiom slow and steady wins the race:

• Keep working on your goals, no matter what slow and steady wins the race.
• Slow and steady wins the race though.
• Like the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race.

Also Read: Get your act together meaning

Synonyms and Similar Phrases to Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Mentioned below are the synonyms of slow and steady wins the race:

• Haste makes waste
• Slowly but surely
• Hasty climbers have sudden falls
• More haste, less speed
• Look before you leap

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

Slow and Steady Wins the Race Meaning Quiz

Q1. “I know you think that you are better than everyone else because of your natural talent and quick mind, but don’t forget that slow and steady wins the race.” What is the meaning of slow and steady wins the race here?

a) Run fast to win
b) Take your time and be consistent in your efforts, you will succeed
c) Think before you speak
d) Inconsistency is the key ti success

Ans: B. Take your time and be consistent in your efforts, you will succeed

Q2. What does the phrase “Slow and Steady Wins the Race” emphasize?
a) Speed
b) Consistency and perseverance
c) Luck
d) Competition

Ans: b) Consistency and perseverance

Q3. Which fable is most commonly associated with this phrase?
a) The Lion and the Mouse
b) The Tortoise and the Hare
c) The Fox and the Grapes
d) The Ant and the Grasshopper

Ans: b) The Tortoise and the Hare

Q4. What does “slow” symbolise in the context of this phrase?
a) Laziness
b) Caution and patience
c) Fear
d) Hesitation

Ans: b) Caution and patience

Q5. In the fable “The Tortoise and the Hare,” why does the tortoise win?
a) The hare gets lost
b) The hare gets distracted and overconfident
c) The tortoise runs fast
d) The tortoise receives help

Ans: b) The hare gets distracted and overconfident

Q6. How does the concept of “steady” contribute to success?
a) By ensuring progress
b) By avoiding distractions
c) By remaining focused
d) All of the above

Ans: d) All of the above

Q7. Which quality does the hare represent in the fable?
a) Determination
b) Overconfidence and carelessness
c) Wisdom
d) Teamwork

Ans: b) Overconfidence and carelessness

Q8. How can this phrase be applied to achieving academic goals?
a) By cramming before exams
b) By studying regularly over time
c) By skipping tough subjects
d) By relying on last-minute luck

Ans: b) By studying regularly over time

Q9. Which of these best describes the long-term result of a “slow and steady” approach?
a) Guaranteed failure
b) Balanced and consistent progress
c) Constant setbacks
d) Immediate results

Ans: b) Balanced and consistent progress

Q10. Which of the following professions benefits most from a “slow and steady” approach?
a) Athletes
b) Writers
c) Scientists
d) All of the above

Ans: d) All of the above

Read other blogs on Idiom here:

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Idioms for Appreciation	Idioms for Surprise and Shock
Idioms for Studying Hard	Idioms for Travelling
Idioms for Cooking	Idioms for Confusion
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