In the following question, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which gives the meaning of the given idiom or phrase. A stitch in time saves nine

Correct — C. The proverb is about timing. One stitch put into a small tear straight away saves the nine stitches the tear will need once it has spread.

So the lesson is that dealing with a problem early prevents more work later: Timely action prevents more work, option (c).

Why the others are wrong

• (a)
  Tailoring is a valuable skill — Tailoring is the literal picture, not the meaning. The stitch stands for any small, early fix; the proverb says nothing about sewing as a skill.
• (b)
  Drunk or intoxicated — Drunk or intoxicated has no connection with any word in the proverb: stitch, time or saving. Nothing in it points to drinking.
• (d)
  Saving money for the future — Saves here means spares effort, not money. Putting money aside for later is the idea behind a rainy day, a different expression.

A proverb is a short, fixed saying that states a general truth or gives advice. Its words are a picture, and the question asks for the lesson behind the picture.

Here the picture is a small tear in cloth. Mend it with one stitch now and it stays small; leave it and it spreads until it needs nine. The lesson applies to any problem: act early and you do less work.

Key facts

• A stitch in time saves nine: a small, prompt effort prevents a bigger job later.
• Save for a rainy day: put money aside for a time of need.
• Nip in the bud: stop something at an early stage, before it grows.

Common traps

• Picking the literal option (tailoring) because the proverb mentions a stitch.
• Reading saves as saving money.

No directly related past PYQ was found.