discretion is the better part of valour
English
Alternative forms
Proverb
discretion is the better part of valour
- It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.
- 1597 — William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 1, act v, scene 4
- 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].
- 1597 — William Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 1, act v, scene 4
References
- “discretion is the better part of valour”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.