Updated March 7th, 2021

This idiom and proverb simply means “the person who is early is successful.”

If you want something, it’s better to be early and organized.

Its meaning is applied to everyday life and human activities, but to understand the meaning deeply and fully, let’s take the example of a bird.

The early bird gets the worm.

Birds eat worms. Simple enough.

There is a worm on the ground.

The bird is hungry.

The first (early) bird will get the worm and enjoy a nice meal.

If the other birds are sleeping or being lazy, they won’t get the worm.

So, the early bird gets the worm.

You can also say the early bird catches the worm. It’s the same meaning.

That’s it! Simple.

Now, you can say this with confidence.

Or if you hear it someone say it, you can understand them fully.

It’s a good saying for English and life motivation.

Photo credit: Peter Hartl