Better Late Than Never Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The meaning of the idiom better late than never is that it’s better to do something late than not do it at all.

The origin of this idiom ‘better late than never’, like so many interesting phrases, may be found in classic literature. It was first seen in 1386 in The Yeoman’s Tale, which is then featured in The Canterbury Tales, and is attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer: “For better than never is late; never to succeed would be too long a period.”

Usage With Examples

The idiom better late than never is used when people have to express the feeling of it’s better to arrive late in the event than to not show up at all.

Mentioned below are the examples where you can use the idiom better late than never:

• I know that it took me weeks to send the letter, but better late than never. 
• We only arrived at the movie at halftime but better late than never.
• The dress arrived after the dance but better late than never—I’ll wear it to the next party.

Also Read: Idioms Meaning with Example

Synonyms and Similar Words to Better Late Than Never

Mentioned below are similar phrases to better late than never:

• It’s never too late to start.
• That is not lost that comes at last.
• Being tardy is better than a complete absence.
• Better to do it late than to never do it at all.
• Late is better than never.

Better Late Than Never Meaning Quiz

I know I’m late to your birthday party but better late than never, right? What does better late than never mean here?

• Plan in cancelled
• Even though I am late, at least I reached
• Won’t be able to attend

Also Read: Go on a Wild Goose Chase

This was all about the idiom better late than never meaning with examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.