better late than never

This page is about the conversational phrase better late than never

Meaning

You can say this when you're glad something's happened, but you wish it'd happened sooner.

For example

  • "They've just paid us."
    "They should've paid us last month, but better late than never."

  • "Sorry it took so long to finish the report."
    "Better late than never, I guess."

Quick Quiz

My teacher said, "Better late than never," because

a. it was getting late

b. she's never late

c. I got there late
a) it was getting late b) she's never late c) I got there late

Contributor: Matt Errey