a watched pot never boils

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Refers to the psychological effect of apparent time dilation when closely observing a process (pot being heated) while waiting for it to reach a final state (boiling).

Proverb

a watched pot never boils

  1. A process appears to proceed more slowly if one waits for it rather than engaging in other activities.
    Synonyms: a watched kettle never boils, watched toast never burns

Translations

See also

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