What does the phrase ‘the best laid plans of mice and men’ mean?

The phrase “the best laid plans of mice and men” is a well-known idiom that originates from the poem “To a Mouse” by Robert Burns, written in 1785. The full line from the poem is:

“The best laid schemes o’ mice an’ men / Gang aft agley,” which roughly translates to:
“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

Meaning of the Phrase:

This phrase suggests that no matter how carefully we plan, things often don’t go as expected. It reflects the idea that, regardless of the effort, foresight, or attention to detail put into a plan, unforeseen circumstances or events can disrupt or change the outcome.

The phrase draws attention to the unpredictability of life, implying that both humans (“men”) and animals (“mice”) face similar challenges when their plans are disrupted by forces beyond their control.

Context and Origin:

• In Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse”, the speaker apologizes to a mouse after disturbing its nest while plowing a field. The mouse had likely spent considerable effort building its nest, but the actions of the speaker had destroyed it. The speaker reflects on the mouse’s plight, drawing a parallel to human struggles, and the line is used to express sympathy for the mouse’s ruined plans.
• Burns used this line to highlight how both humans and animals are vulnerable to the uncertainties of life, and how even the best efforts can be thwarted by circumstances beyond one’s control.

Modern Use:

Today, the phrase is often used in a more general sense to acknowledge that even well-thought-out plans can fail, and that we must remain flexible or adapt when things don’t go as anticipated. It’s used to express the idea of accepting failure or disappointment and recognizing that outcomes are not always predictable.

Example:

Imagine someone planning a big outdoor event with perfect weather forecasts, but then a sudden storm arrives:

• “Well, the best laid plans of mice and men… Looks like we’ll have to move the event indoors!”

In summary, “the best laid plans of mice and men” means that even the most carefully thought-out plans can be disrupted by unforeseen events or circumstances.