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Right Off the Bat

Right Off the Bat

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Right Off the Bat--Batter hitting a ballWhen a batter hits a ball, that ball flies right off the bat. While the ball soars through the air, the batter runs toward first base without delay.

Right off the bat means immediately.

We don’t hesitate. Instead, we act:

  • Instantly
  • First thing

Rather than sit and ponder the possibilities, we move almost spontaneously.

We value first responders who act right off the bat.

Their speed often makes the difference in life and death.

  • Fire fighters
  • Law enforcement
  • Medical personnel

We don’t want precise workers to act right off the bat.

Their speed results in costly errors or conclusions.

  • Scientists
  • Accountants
  • Builders

For them, haste makes waste. If we demand their work immediately if not sooner, we suffer in the end.

May we always choose wisely between patience and speed.

Much in life is worth the wait. Yet, we never want to postpone decisions that require an immediate response.

Without delay [Jesus] called them, and they … followed him (Mark 1:20 NIV).

Thanks to Darrin Jenkins for the suggestion and to Richard Robards for the photo.

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Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail

Two Shakes of a Lamb’s Tail

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Two Shakes of a Lamb's Tail--two lambsLambs are small and have short tails. I don’t know if that has anything to do with the origin of two shakes of a lamb’s tail. However, it makes sense to me.

Two shakes of a lamb’s tail means a short period of time.

We use the expression if we plan to do something quickly:

  • Work
  • School assignments
  • Home chores
  • Exercise

However, anything completed too quickly leads to problems.

Haste makes waste if we do a poor job. We frequently give a lick and a promise when we need to take one step at a time and do our job right.

Fast work is good. Correct work is better.

Moving too slowly also causes problems.

If we dislike what we do, we are tempted to put it off as long as possible.  We become slow as molasses starting and often slower finishing.

Whatever we do, whether fast or slow, let’s give our best.

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind” (Proverbs 21:5 MSG).

Thanks to Liz Gray for the suggestion. Image by Michael Grundmann from Pixabay.

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Haste Makes Waste

Haste Makes Waste

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Haste Makes Waste 6Speed works well on a race track but can cause problems other places. My parents and grandparents often said haste makes waste.

A few people can complete tasks quickly and well. Most of us need to take our time. A slow but steady pace usually means a safer and better outcome.

When we rush, we waste time and effort.

We may have to repeat our task, because we did not do it right the first time.

Think about the potential problems.

  • Lives injured or lost when we drive too fast
  • Tests failed when we rush our answers
  • Money wasted when we invest in get-rich-quick schemes

Who wants:

  • A doctor who won’t take time to answer questions?
  • An attorney who skips reading the evidence for a trial?
  • A cook who serves food before it’s done?

As John Wooden said, “If you do not have the time to do it right, when will you find the time to do it over?”

“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty” (Proverbs 21:5 NIV).

Special thanks to Lisa Despain for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained? If so, please comment below.

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