Phrase guide

learn to walk before one can run

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To learn how to perform simple tasks before one can perform a more complicated task.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see learn, walk, before, run.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Cantonese: 唔好未學行,先學走 /唔好未学行 — Translations
  • Finnish: tyvestä puuhun noustaan — Translations
  • Vietnamese: chưa học bò đã lo học chạy — Translations
  • Vietnamese: chưa học bò chớ lo học chạy — Translations