discretion is the better part of valour
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English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Alteration of "The better part of valour is discretion," spoken by Falstaff in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Act V, Scene 4.
Proverb
[edit]discretion is the better part of valour
- It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.
- c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iv]:
- The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part, I have saved my life.
- 2019 October, Chris Stokes, “Between the Lines”, in Modern Railways, page 97:
- At least there was no problem with Alison travelling on the 'wrong' train - discretion was the better part of valour for ticket checks [on a train full of football supporters].
References
[edit]- “discretion is the better part of valour”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.