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best laid plans

A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the outcome is uncertain.

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.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Translation

Find a translation for the best laid plans phrase in other languages:

أفضل الخطط الموضوعة

am besten gelegte Pläne

los mejores planes

सबसे अच्छी निर्धारित योजना

최고의 계획

melhores planos

лучшие планы

சிறந்த திட்டங்கள்

en iyi planlar

بہترین منصوبہ بندی

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Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to best laid plans

at bestgive it one's best shotbest of the bunchget laidbest-kept secretbest-kept secreta wild goose never laid a tame eggdiamonds are a girl's best friendbest betdo the best and live the restbest thing since sliced breadas best one canexperience is the best teacherfirst in, best dressed

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    "best laid plans." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Dec. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/best-laid-plans_2351>.

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