discretion is the better part of valor

discretion is the better part of valor

proverb Caution is more important than bravery. The expression emphasizes the importance of being cautious and reserving acts of bravery for when they are actually needed. I know you want to try that risky skateboard jump, but remember that discretion is the better part of valor. No, I wouldn't question the CEO's decision making in front of the entire board. Remember: discretion is the better part of valor. He's young and stupid, so I'm not surprised he rushed into battle and got injured. He's yet to learn that discretion is the better part of valor.

See also: better, discretion, of, part

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Discretion is the better part of valor.

Prov. It is good to be brave, but it is also good to be careful.; If you are careful, you will not get into situations that require you to be brave. Son: Can I go hang gliding with my friends? Father: No. Son: But they'll say I'm chicken if I don't go! Father: Discretion is the better part of valor, and I'd rather have them call you chicken than risk your life.

See also: better, discretion, of, part

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

discretion is the better part of valor

It is better to be prudent than merely courageous, as in I'm signing up for the easy course first; discretion is the better part of valor. This proverb, a synonym of look before you leap, was first recorded in 1477. Charles Churchill put it in poetic form: "Even in a hero's heart, Discretion is the better part" ( The Ghost, 1762). Shakespeare also used a form of it: "The better part of valor is discretion" ( 1 Henry IV, 5:4).

See also: better, discretion, of, part

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

discretion is the better part of valour

it's better to avoid a dangerous situation than to confront it. proverb

See also: better, discretion, of, part, valour

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

diˌscretion is the ˌbetter part of ˈvalour

(British English) (American English diˌscretion is the ˌbetter part of ˈvalor) (saying) you should avoid danger and not take unnecessary risksThis comes from Shakespeare’s play Henry IV.

See also: better, discretion, of, part, valour

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017