jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today

Definition & Meaning of "jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today"

jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today
01

used to caution people against being deceived or distracted by empty promises that offer future rewards or benefits that are not fulfilled in the present moment

ProverbProverb

What is the origin of the proverb "jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today" and when to use it?

The proverb "jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today" originates from Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There' (1871). In the story, the phrase is used by the White Queen to describe a situation in which promises of future rewards are constantly made but never actually realized in the present. The saying cautions against being misled by empty promises of future gain, highlighting how such assurances may distract from the current moment. It serves as a reminder to focus on tangible results and to be wary of promises that never come true.

example
Example
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He always makes big promises, but I've learned not to get my hopes up - after all, because as they say, jam tomorrow and jam yesterday, but never jam today.
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