If you can't beat them, eat them
Meaning: When victory is impossible, consume the problem literally or metaphorically to eliminate the threat.
Origin: A joke twist on "if you can't beat them, join them," which is first recorded in 1932 as "If you can't lick 'em, jine 'em," a favorite saying of Senator James E. Watson. The cannibal punchline has no traced author.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- If you mess with the bull, you get the horns — Confronting a dangerous opponent directly invites predictable retaliation.
- In unity, there is strength — Individual efforts pale against coordinated action; collective power overcomes obstacles…
- It is a wise child that knows his own father — A version, “it is a wise father that knows his own child” (spelling modernized), is used…
- It's a long road that has no turning — The current situation is bound to change eventually.
- It's easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission — Acting boldly without approval often succeeds, while seeking permission invites rejection…
- I want doesn't get — Wanting alone accomplishes nothing; action and effort are required to achieve your desire…
From our compliments & insults
- Tu es mon rayon de soleil — A warm way to tell someone they brighten your day.
- Joli comme un cœur — Utterly charming or adorable.
- Tu as un cœur d'or — You are genuinely kind and generous.