prepare/be prepared

[Tan Elaine]

Hope for the best but prepare/be prepared for the worst.

Thanks.

[PROESL]

Hope for the best but prepare/be prepared for the worst.

Thanks.

There's a fine and subtle difference in meaning here, which may or may not be significant. I think it would mostly go unnoticed, but here's how I would compare and define both forms.

"prepare for the worst" - This indicates a future action or an action that one has yet to do. Depending on the context, it could mean "prepare now" or "prepare later", but nevertheless prepare.

"be prepared for the worst" - This means that one should be in a constant state of preparedness, and not that one should, necessarily, prepare now or later. One should already be prepared and remain prepared.

[Abstract Idea]

And never forget the Scout Motto: "Be prepared! (BP)" from Baden-Powell (BP).
Take a look on Scout Motto - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for instance.

[konungursvia]

It also means "be a realist rather than an optimist."