He who hesitates is lost. vs He who hesitates is late.

[Wash Nion]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #210 "What Comes Next? (4)", question 7

As the old saying goes: ..........

(a) He who hesitates is found
(b) He who hesitates is lost
(c) He who hesitates is late
(d) He who hesitates is long

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #210 "What Comes Next? (4)", answer 7

As the old saying goes: He who hesitates is lost.

Correct answer: (b) He who hesitates is lost

Your answer was: incorrect
As the old saying goes: He who hesitates is late.
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why can't l use the word "late" in this sentence?
Would the word "late" in this case be understood as "dead"?

Wash Nion

[Canadian45]

You can't use late because the old saying is "He who hesitates is lost."
No, late wouldn't be understood as dead.

[Mickey]

What does "he who hesitates is lost" mean?

[Kitosdad]

Morning Mickey, it is usually used to try to encourage someone to " get a move on".

To avoid/delay making a decision could result in an opportunity being lost.

Kitosdad.
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