The phrase "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" is a motivational saying that encourages perseverance and continuous effort, especially after a failure or setback. It emphasizes the importance of not giving up and trying repeatedly until success is achieved.

In short:

• It encourages continuing efforts, even after failing.
• It highlights the value of persistence and not giving up.

What Does "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again" Mean?

The saying "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" is a simple but powerful message. It tells us that failing once or even several times doesn't mean you should stop trying. For instance, if you try to learn a new skill like playing the guitar and it's hard at first, this phrase suggests you shouldn't give up but keep practicing until you get better. It’s about not letting initial failures discourage you.

More about the phrase's meaning:

• It's a reminder that success often requires multiple attempts.
• This phrase is used to motivate someone to keep going, even when things are tough.
• It shows that learning from failures and persisting is a path to achievement.
• It is commonly used in educational, sports, and personal development contexts.
• Similar expressions include "persevere," "keep trying," and "don't give up."

Where Does "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again" Come From?

The phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is a well-known adage that encourages perseverance. The first known written record of this proverb is attributed to American educator Thomas H. Palmer in his Teacher’s Manual (1840). In this work, he wrote: 'Tis a lesson you should heed, try, try again. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. However, it was Edward Hickson who later popularized the adage in his book The Singing Master, which interestingly was published in 1836, earlier than Palmer’s work.

Historical Example

'T is a lesson you should heed,
Try, try again;
If at first you don't succeed,
Try, try again;
Then your courage should appear,
For, if you will persevere,
You will conquer, never fear;
Try, try again.

- Try Again by William Edward Hickson

10 Examples of "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again" in Sentences

To help you understand when to use this phrase, here are some examples from different situations:

• Even if you have to clock out for the day, remember, if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again tomorrow.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again until what you produce is good enough for your standards.
• The athlete kept the motto "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" in mind while practicing for the championship.
• We may agree to disagree on many things, but one thing we can all agree on is that if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.
• When her first business didn’t work out, she was motivated by "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" and started a new venture.
• In her math class, the teacher encouraged her students with "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" when they struggled with new concepts.
• He reminded himself, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again" while learning to skate.
• The determination in your eyes says it all - if at first you don’t succeed, you’ll try, try again until you do.
• If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again, and with that spirit, go get 'em, tiger!
• “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is a mantra that many successful people live by, proving its timeless wisdom.

Examples of "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again" in Pop Culture

This phrase is quite popular in pop culture and is often used to inspire determination and persistence.

Here are some examples:

• Zen Cho wrote the short story "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again" about an imugi (a Korean mythical serpent) striving to become a dragon. Despite repeated failures, it perseveres in its quest.
• The 1947 film "Miracle on 34th Street" features a line, "You mean it's like, 'If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.'" This classic movie revolves around a young girl's belief in Santa Claus.
• Aaliyah's song "Try Again" includes the lyrics "If at first you don't succeed, then dust yourself off and try again." This song, part of the soundtrack for the movie "Romeo Must Die," emphasizes the importance of perseverance.
• In the TV show "Stargate SG-1," Season 4, Col. O'Neill says, "You know what they say, General. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try, try, try again." This science fiction series follows a military team exploring the galaxy via a network of alien technology.

Synonyms: Other/Different Ways to Say "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again"

Here are some alternative phrases that express the same idea:

• Keep on trying
• Don't give up
• Persist
• Keep at it
• Never say die
• Stick with it
• Stay the course
• Keep pushing
• Hang in there
• Never give up

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again":

• What does "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" mean?

This phrase means that if you fail at something on your first try, you should not give up. Instead, you should keep trying until you succeed. It emphasizes perseverance and resilience.

• Can this phrase be used in different areas of life?

Yes, it can be applied to various aspects of life, including learning new skills, sports, business, and personal challenges. It encourages continuous effort and resilience in diverse situations.

• Is this phrase still relevant today?

Definitely. The concept of persistence and not giving up, despite failures, is timeless and continues to be relevant in modern times for personal development and achieving goals.

• Where did this phrase originate?

The exact origin of the phrase is unclear, but it has been a part of common language for many years, often used to motivate and inspire perseverance.

• Can this phrase be harmful in any way?

While the phrase is generally positive, it's important to balance persistence with realism. Sometimes, if a goal is unattainable, it might be more practical to adjust one's approach or goals.

• Is it appropriate to use this phrase in professional settings?

Yes, it's often used in professional environments to encourage continuous effort and resilience, especially in the face of challenges or initial failures.

• How can this phrase be used to motivate children?

This phrase can be used to teach children about the importance of not giving up after a failure and the value of practice and persistence in achieving goals.

• Does this phrase apply to learning new skills?

Yes, it is particularly relevant when learning new skills, as it highlights the importance of continued practice and not being discouraged by initial difficulties or failures.

• Can this phrase be misinterpreted?

It can be, particularly if it's taken to mean one should keep trying the same approach without adapting. It's important to pair persistence with flexibility and learning from past attempts.

• Are there any similar sayings or idioms?

Yes, similar sayings include "perseverance pays off," "never say die," and "keep on keeping on." These all emphasize the value of continuing effort and resilience.

Final Thoughts About "If at First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again"

The phrase "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again" is a valuable reminder of the power of perseverance and resilience in various aspects of life. It's useful in both personal and professional contexts and serves as a motivational tool for people of all ages.

To recap:

• It encourages persistence and resilience in the face of failure.
• It's suitable for use in diverse situations, from learning new skills to facing business challenges.
• It's important to adapt strategies while persevering.
• The phrase is timeless and continues to inspire people worldwide.