Better to be late in this world...

Posted by David FG February 09, 2009 at 17:48In reply to Better to be late in this world... posted by Sarah Jane on February 08, 2009 at 13:04:

Has anyone heard the phrase 'better to be late in this world, than early in the next'? If so, any idea of origin and meaning?

I think it would be used in circumstances such as trying to cross a road in a hurry.

That is, it is better to be late (for an appointment or whatever) by waiting until it is safe, than to be early into the next world (ie dead) by running across in front of oncoming traffic.

DFG