磨刀不误砍柴工módāobùwùkǎncháigōngMeanings1. lit. sharpening the axe won't make the wood-splitting take longer (idiom)2. fig. time invested in preparations is not lost3. a beard well lathered is half shavedCharacters used磨to rub刀knife不no误mistake砍to chop柴firewood工work