Divide and conquer
Meaning: Achieve dominance by breaking opposition into smaller parts.
Origin: Often credited to Julius Caesar, but the Latin maxim divide et impera — divide and rule — has also been attributed to Philip II of Macedon, who played the Greek city-states against one another, and to later rulers such as France's Louis XI. Who first said it is unknown. Caesar did exploit rivalries among the Gallic tribes during his conquest of Gaul.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Diviser pour régner (literally: Divide to rule)
- Spanish: Divide y vencerás (literally: Divide and you will conquer)
- Japanese: 分断して統治せよ (Bundan shite tōchi seyo) (literally: Divide and rule)
- German: Teile und herrsche (literally: Divide and rule)
More proverbs about Challenge
- When it rains, it pours — Troubles often come all at once.
- If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen — If you can't handle pressure, leave the situation.
- The road less traveled makes all the difference — Unconventional choices often lead to the most meaningful outcomes.
- He who hesitates is lost — Indecision leads to missed opportunities.
- A gem cannot be polished without friction — Excellence and greatness are only achieved through struggle and hardship.
- The darkest hour is just before the dawn — Situations often worsen right before they improve dramatically.