A watched pot never boils

usgb
proverb

If you focus too much on waiting for something, it seems to take a long time.

Stop checking your email every five minutes for a response. Remember, a watched pot never boils.
Visual representation of "a watched pot never boils" - If you focus too much on waiting for something, it seems to take a long time.

Often appears as...

  • keep in mind
  • a watched pot never boils.

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "a watched pot never boils"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Expectation Delays

Feeling like time slows when you're anxious for a result highlights the proverb's meaning of perceived duration.

Illustration for Expectation Delays
Waiting for her test results felt extra long because a watched pot never boils.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

Understand the phrase is not about boiling pots, but about impatience and time perception.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Worrying about your flight time? A watched pot never boils, so relax and read a book.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Collocation Clues

The phrase often appears with words like 'remember' and 'as the old saying goes' to advise patience.

Illustration for Collocation Clues
As the old saying goes, a watched pot never boils, so let's not hover over our project updates.
Visual representation of the word "A watched pot never boils"

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