The longest way round is the nearest way home

Shorts cuts can involve one in difficulties. It is better to follow the correct procedure in anything than to try to save time by scamping the work. For example, it may seem quicker to redecorate the sitting-room by putting the new paint straight on to the old, whereas the correct way – and in the end the quickest – is to prepare the work thoroughly before applying the new paint.

See also:

• The beaten road is the safest