Here's a breakdown:
* Stern: In this context, it refers to the rear of a ship. If a ship is pursuing another from behind, it's called a stern chase.
* Long: This refers to the extended duration of the pursuit.
* Chase: This is the act of pursuing something or someone.
The proverb suggests that if you are chasing something, it's better to start strong and decisive. A slow and indecisive start will only prolong the pursuit and make it more difficult to catch your target.
Example:
* "The company was hesitant to invest in the new technology, but they eventually realized it was necessary. It was a stern chase, but they finally caught up to the competition."
The proverb can be applied to various situations, including:
* Business: A company that is slow to adopt new technology or market trends may find itself lagging behind its competitors.
* Personal life: A person who procrastinates on a task may find it takes them much longer to complete than if they had started right away.
* Relationships: A couple that doesn't address issues promptly may find their problems grow and become more difficult to resolve.