proverb · Words worth keeping
Discretion is the better part of valour.
Discretion is the better part of valour.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes discretion the better part of valour. It values careful judgment within courage rather than treating rash action as its highest form.
What the words are saying
Better part gives restraint a positive place in bravery. A useful application can consider when a pause, alternative or withdrawal serves a purpose. The phrase does not make every cautious action correct or establish that a particular risk should be taken.
Everyday example
Someone chooses a considered alternative rather than acting impulsively to appear brave.
When to use it
Use it to discuss judgment as part of courage.
What it does not mean
Caution is not automatically the right response to every situation.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 311; PDF page 48
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.