all is fair in love and war

Otherwise questionable actions are acceptable under extenuating circumstances. Often written as "all's fair in love and war." A: "I can't believe you took credit for my idea just so you would look good to the boss!" B: "Come on, all is fair in love and war!" I told Jeff that Mary had a boyfriend because I wanted to ask her out first. Say what you will, but all is fair in love and war! Yeah, I sabotaged his science project, but so what? I want to win, and all is fair in love and war.

all's fair in love and war

A phrase used to justify behavior that could be considered unsavory, unethical, or unfair. So I had to flatter the boss in order to get that big promotion. All's fair in love and war, right? I told Jeff that Mary had a boyfriend because I wanted to ask her out first. Say what you will, but all's fair in love and war! Yeah, I sabotaged his science project, but so what? I want to win, and all's fair in love and war.