Look before you leap

Cultural  

1. We should know what we are getting into before we commit ourselves.

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look before you leap Idioms  

1. Think of the consequences before you act, as in You'd better check out all the costs before you buy a cellular phone—look before you leap. This expression alludes to Aesop's fable about the fox who is unable to climb out of a well and persuades a goat to jump in. The fox then climbs on the goat's horns to get out, while the goat remains trapped. [c. 1350]

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Example Sentences

However, you’ll need to look before you leap when buying raw land or a developed vacant building lot.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 2021

The lesson: look before you leap after the headlines.

From Time Magazine Archive

Now, Bella," said Mr. Boffin, "look before you leap.

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 03 — Fiction by Mee, Arthur

Then, my boy, always remember to look before you leap, and not to let go one rope before you have a firm gripe of another.

From Salt Water The Sea Life and Adventures of Neil D'Arcy the Midshipman by Lacey, C. J. de

We will do our best; but next time, look before you leap, and save your bones.

From Jack and Jill by Alcott, Louisa May