All's 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!
See also: and, fair, love, war

All's fair in love and war.

Prov. Cliché In some situations, such as when you are in love or waging war, you are allowed to be deceitful in order to get what you want. (Often said as an excuse for deception.) I cheated on the entrance exam, but I really want to get into that school, and all's fair in love and war. To get Judy to go out with him, Bob lied and told her that her boyfriend was seeing another woman. All's fair in love and war.
See also: and, fair, love, war

All's fair in love and war.

something that you say which means behaviour that is unpleasant or not fair is acceptable during an argument or competition We weren't cheating, we were just playing to win. Anyway, all's fair in love and war.
See also: and, fair, love, war

all's fair in love and war

Any conduct is permissible in certain circumstances, as in Of course he called her-all's fair in love and war. This maxim, stated in various forms from 1579 on, today sometimes appears altered by an addition or substitution, as in All's fair in love and the World Series, or All's fair in love and war and an election year.
See also: and, fair, love, war

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Baldovino-Italian
Nedelya-Bulgarian
Lovell['lʌvəl]
Dedrick-African American
Klaudie-Czech
Janeljə-NELEnglish