The early bird catches the worm.

What it means

Whoever arrives, applies or acts first gets the best of what is available. The image is literal — a bird out at dawn finds worms still on the surface — and the proverb is used both as practical advice about timing and as a general argument for rising early.

Where it comes from

First recorded in John Ray’s “A Collection of English Proverbs” (1670), in the older spelling “The early bird catcheth the worm”. Ray was collecting sayings already in circulation rather than coining them, so the proverb is certainly older than its first printing.

Example sentences

• “She sent her application the morning the job was posted; the early bird catches the worm.”
• “We queued from seven and walked straight in. The early bird catches the worm.”
• “If you want a seat at the front, get there early — the early bird catches the worm.”

When it fits — and when it does not

Encouraging when said before the fact, smug when said after it by the person who got there first. There is a well-known retort — “the early worm gets eaten” — so expect it to be answered playfully.

Similar phrases

• First come, first served.
• Strike while the iron is hot.