English Explanatory Dictionary

a watched pot never boils

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. A process appears to proceed more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.

Word forms

a watched pot never boils a watched pot never boils over

Etymology

Refers to the psychological effect of apparent time dilation when closely observing a process (pot being heated) while waiting for it to reach a final state (boiling).

Synonyms

a watched kettle never boils watched toast never burns

Related words

time flies when you're having fun
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