A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

Make HASTE slowly
Cf. L. festina lente, make haste slowly; after SUETONIUS Augustus xxv. 4. nihil autem minus perfecto duci quam festinationem temeritatemque convenire arbitratur. crebro itaque illa iactabat: ^r' - ' и' he [Augustus] thought that haste and rashness were alike unsuited to a well-trained leader. So he often came out with sayings like ‘make haste slowly’ [etc.]; c 1385 CHAUCER Troilus & Criseyde I. 956 He hasteth wel that wisly kan [knows how to] abyde.

• 
  1683 DRYDEN Poems (1958) I. 336 Gently make haste. .. A hundred times consider what you’ve said. 1744 B. FRANKLIN Poor Richard’s Almanack (Apr.) Make haste slowly. 1989 C. G. HART Little Class on Murder xii. ’Festina lente,’ Miss Dora suggested slyly. ‘Not bad advice,’ Max said cheerfully. At Annie’s glare, he added quickly, ‘Make haste slowly.’ “haste; patience and impatience
  

haste see also MARRY in haste and repent at leisure; NOTHING should be done in haste but gripping a flea.
hasty see hasty CLIMBERS have sudden falls.
hatched see don’t COUNT your chickens before they are hatched.
hate see BETTER a dinner of herbs than a stalled ox where hate is.
What you HAVE, hold

• 
  с 1450 Towneley Play of Killing of Abel (EETS) 1.142 It is better hold that I haue then go from doore to doore and craue. 1546 J. HEYWOOD Dialogue of Proverbs i.x. D1 Hold fast whan ye haue it (quoth she) by my lyfe. 1876 I. BANKS Manchester Man I. x. Then .. rang, clear and distinct, Humphrey Chetham’s motto—’Quod tuum, tene!’ (What you have, hold!) 1979 Times 23 Nov. 5 There had been a simple ‘what we have we hold’ approach by the established parties. ■ property