Take the 2-minute tour ×

For example,

Raimund Preußen didn't pace himself at all, and after a series of daring offensive runs he was too tired to help out in the defensive play.

share|improve this question

closed as general reference by Callithumpian, Mahnax, RegDwigнt May 24 '12 at 8:42


1 Answer 1

up vote 2 down vote accepted

Callithumpian answered you correctly. "Slow and steady" is of course variable, depending on the individual. There are many ways to use the idiom:

He didn't pace himself, so he ran out of energy and wasn't able to complete the marathon.

I have a lot of work to accomplish today, but I'm going to pace myself and take a 10 minute break at the end of every hour.

She has to swim 100 laps. If she doesn't pace herself there is no way she'll be able to complete them.

The bicycle race is 125 miles long. Sharon, stay with the lead if you can, but pace yourself so as not to burn out. Mike, try to keep within 25 cyclists of the lead and pace yourself so you'll have enough energy to sprint the last 10 miles. I'll hang back toward the middle and pace myself with the bulk of the racers so I'll have enough energy to sprint the last 35 miles of the race. With a little luck, our team will win.

share|improve this answer
