looking before one leaps
Prudent advance consideration
Looking before one leaps means considering consequences before acting—examining what you're jumping into before you jump.
The phrase comes from cautionary proverbs advising careful deliberation over impulsive action.
She's not one for looking before she leaps; she bought the house without an inspection.
- think twiceDeliberate before acting
- better safe than sorryPrudence over risk
- safety measuresPrecautions against danger
- precautionPreventive safety measure
- deliberationCareful weighing of choices
analysis · prudence · foresight · test the waters · second thoughts · contingency planning · reasoning · gut check · risk aversion · circumspection · hazard assessment · worst case scenario · planning · judgment · thoughtfulness · hesitation · wait and see · sleep on it
looking before one leapsshooting from the hip
Acting without deliberation
winging it · playing it by ear · knee-jerk reaction · spontaneity · rushing in
looking before one leapsrecklessness
Careless disregard for danger
throwing caution to the wind · damn the torpedoes · carelessness · foolhardiness · temerity