Meaning of the word "better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" in English

What does "better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it

US /ˈbetər tu həv ɪt ənd nɑt nid ɪt ðæn tu nid ɪt ənd nɑt həv ɪt/
UK /ˈbetə tu həv ɪt ənd nɒt niːd ɪt ðæn tu niːd ɪt ənd nɒt həv ɪt/
"better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it" picture

Idiom

it is wiser to be prepared for a situation that may not happen than to be unprepared for one that does

Example:
I'm bringing an umbrella just in case; better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Why are you carrying a spare tire? Well, better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.