the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry

== English == === Alternative forms === the best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray === Etymology === From a Scots poem by Robert Burns, To a Mouse. In the original Scots, the lines are, “The best-laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley”. === Proverb === the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry No matter how well a project is planned, accidents or misfortune can still occur. ==== Synonyms ==== man plans and God laughs man proposes, God disposes ==== See also ==== agley § Usage notes accidents will happen in the best regulated families