Region: UK | Usage example: Tighten that bolt before it breaks; a stitch in time saves nine.

A stitch in time saves nine

Meaning

Fixing small problems now prevents bigger ones later.

Encourages proactive maintenance.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Sewing metaphor about mending fabric before more stitches are needed.

17th-century English proverb still taught to apprentices.