hope for the best, prepare for the worst

== English == === Alternative forms === hope for the best but prepare for the worst, hope for the best and prepare for the worst === Proverb === hope for the best, prepare for the worst (imperative) While one should maintain a positive attitude when facing uncertain or challenging circumstances, one should not let this optimism blind them to the need to prepare for the possible hardships which may arise. ==== See also ==== better safe than sorry === Verb === hope for the best, prepare for the worst (third-person singular simple present hopes for the best, prepares for the worst, present participle hoping for the best, preparing for the worst, simple past and past participle hoped for the best, prepared for the worst) To take precautions that may not be necessary in a future situation, while keeping hope that the situation will turn out well so that these precautions would not need to be used.