“The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese”

Simplified Meaning:

When people say "The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese," they mean that sometimes being first brings rewards, but not always; sometimes it's better to hang back and wait. Imagine two situations. In the first, a bird wakes up early and finds the best worms because no one else is looking yet - being early helps it succeed. In the second, think about two mice: the first one rushes and gets caught in a mouse trap, but the second mouse waits and safely gets the cheese after the trap is triggered. In real life, if you want to get tickets to a big concert, being the first to buy them means you get the best seats. But if you're driving in rush hour traffic, sometimes waiting a bit and leaving later can mean smoother roads and less stress. To use this idea in your life, think carefully before jumping into a new job or making a big purchase. Sometimes acting quickly is smart, but other times, waiting and letting others go first can help you avoid trouble and get the best deal.