Idioms

Where and when did the coined phrase "look before you leap" originate?

[Anglika]

It is not a "coined" phrase but a very old proverb. It can be traced back to Latin, and was in use by the 15th century in this form.

[vil]

Hi….

There is a plausible explanation of the origin of the proverb in question above:

look before you leap = think of the consequences before you act, as in

You'd better check out all the costs before you buy a cellular phone--look before you leap.

This expression alludes to Aesop's fable about the fox who is unable to climb out of a well and persuades a goat to jump in. The fox then climbs on the goat's horns to get out, while the goat remains trapped.

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Regards.

V.