---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Where duty is plain delay is both foolish…"
description: "\"Where duty is plain delay is both foolish and hazardous; where it is not, delay may be both wisdom and safety.\" — Tryon Edwards"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/909/tryon-edwards-4992_delay_where-duty-is-plain-delay-is-both-foolis_2285577.png"
---

#  Where duty is plain delay is both foolish and hazardous…

![“Where duty is plain delay is both foolish and hazardous; where it is not, delay may be both wisdom and safety.” quote by Tryon Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/909/tryon-edwards-4992_delay_where-duty-is-plain-delay-is-both-foolis_2285577.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/909/tryon-edwards-4992_delay_where-duty-is-plain-delay-is-both-foolis_2285577.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/909/tryon-edwards-4992_delay_where-duty-is-plain-delay-is-both-foolis_2285577.png)

> “Where duty is plain delay is both foolish and hazardous; where it is not, delay may be both wisdom and safety.”

[Tryon Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tryon-edwards/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Delaying duty can be reckless, but sometimes waiting is prudent and safe.

**In simple terms:** Delay can be reckless or wise depending on duty.

Key Takeaway

Assess duty before deciding to delay.

Themes

responsibility decisionmaking prudence

Mood

thoughtful cautious

Type

advice philosophical

When to use this quote

- military orders
- medical emergencies
- project deadlines
- personal commitments

Key Concepts

ethics risk assessment

Questions to Reflect On

- Is the duty urgent?
- What risks does waiting pose?

A Different Perspective

Blindly delaying can cause missed opportunities.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Delay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delay/) [Delay Foolish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delay-foolish-5351406/) [Delay Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/delay-wisdom-5351408/) [Duty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/duty/) [Foolish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolish/) [Foolish Hazardous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolish-hazardous-5351409/) [Foolishness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foolishness/) [Hazardous Delay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hazardous-delay-5351407/) [May](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/may/) [Plain Delay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plain-delay-5351410/) [Procrastination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/procrastination/) [Safety](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/safety/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/)

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