One false move may lose the game.
One false move may lose the game.
Meaning in plain English
The saying makes one false move capable of losing a game. It gives a single mistaken action potentially large consequences.
Example
A team gives extra attention to a decision that would be difficult to reverse if mistaken.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
May keeps the result possible rather than inevitable. A useful application can identify a consequential decision without treating every error as catastrophic. The game image does not supply a rule, probability or prediction for a particular undertaking.
When to use it
Use it to discuss a specific consequential action.
Keep in mind
Not every mistake ends an undertaking, and no probability is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 182; PDF page 30
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
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