English Explanatory Dictionary

best laid plans

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.

Pronunciation

en-au-best laid plans.ogg

Word forms

best laid plans best laid plan

Etymology

Shortened form of “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”, translated from Scots “The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men, / Gang aft agley,” from To A Mouse, On Turning Her Up In Her Nest With The Plough by Robert Burns (text and reading of poem).

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