A dictionary of Proverbs (Oxford Paperback Reference)

MARRY in haste and repent at leisure
This formula can be applied to rash steps other than marriage: e.g. 1998 Spectator 10 Jan. 6 All modern governments legislate in haste and repent at leisure. A frequent recent variant is act in haste, repent at leisure: e.g. 1998 Times 26 Jan. 21 ‘Act in haste, repent at leisure’ would be a poor epitaph for the UK’s presidency [of the EU].

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  1568 E. TILNEY Duties in Marriage B4 Some haue loued in post hast, that afterwards haue repented them at leysure. 1615 J. DAY Festivals x. Marrying in hast, and Repenting by leasure. 1734 B. FRANKLIN Poor Richard’s Almanack (May) Grief often treads upon the heels of pleasure, Marry’d in haste, we oft repent at leisure. 1872 W. STIRLING-MAXWELL Works (1891) VI. xvii. ‘Marry in haste and repent at leisure’ is a proverb that may be borne in mind with advantage in the choice of a party as well as of a wife. 2002 National Review 11 Mar. 28 One might with justice adapt the old proverb about marriage to the adorning of the skin in this savage fashion: Tattoo in haste, repent at leisure. "haste; marriage; regrets
  

MARRY in May, rue for aye
Some earlier related proverbs are also illustrated below. There are a number of old beliefs about the malign influence of this month, e.g. MAY chickens come cheeping. Cf. OVID Fasti v. 489 si te proverbia tangunt, mense malum Maio nubere volgus ait, if proverbs influence you, the common people say it is bad luck to marry in May.

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  1675 Poor Robin’s Almanack May, The Proverb saies.. Of all the Moneths ‘tis worst to Wed in May. 1821 J. GALT Annals of Parish vi. We were married on the 29th day of April.. on account of the dread that we had of being married in May, for it is said, ‘Of the marriages in May, The bairns die of a decay.’ 1879 W. HENDERSON Notes on Folk-Lore of Northern Counties (rev. ed.) i. The ancient proverb still lives on the lips of the people of Scotland and the Borders—Marry in May, Rue for aye. 1913 E. M. WRIGHT Rustic Speech xiii. May.. is an evil month for marriage. .. Marry in May, you’ll rue it for aye, is a Devonshire saying. 1981 Observer Magazine 28 June 27 On weddings and engagements we are told that May is an unlucky month for getting married, ‘Marry in May, rue for aye.’ "calendar lore; marriage; regrets