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.

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

See also:

References in periodicals archive

? CONSIDER HIBERNATION It might sound like throwing in the towel, but sometimes discretion is the better part of valour when it comes to running a classic, and that means knowing when to admit defeat and confine your car to the garage.

Preparing a classic for the winter ahead

Dave has done well for me and I have got no problem with him because he is a good player but I could not afford Dave to come back for the game the other night and go bang because that would really be stressing ourselves out, so discretion is the better part of valour."

Football: City out to beat second game syndrome; Dowie unlikely to make changes after flying start

Even Chelsea and Manchester United exercise a degree of caution at times, especially away from home - the trick for the manager is identifying the point at which it's right to go for broke and when discretion is the better part of valour. Moyes's critics argue he is too cautious too often, and there are times when they have a point, but the Blues's goals scored column does compare favourably with most sides in a league where more and more managers are realising that they need to be very pragmatic to even begin to hold their own against the moneyed elite.

Football: Moyes shows he has the courage of his convictions

Sometimes you decide discretion is the better part of valour.

Hardly actions of 'weaker sex'

'Discretion is the better part of valour, and no one would blame him for not wishing to engage in the substance of these allegations about which he has little or no knowledge.

Why Bashir refused to answer 30 questions

The Prince of Wales and Camilla Parker Bowles clearly need all the support they can get at the moment, but there are moments when discretion is the better part of valour.

Final straw