Look to the main chance.
Meaning: Prioritize opportunities that offer genuine benefit over distractions or minor advantages.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Wisdom
- Hasty climbers have sudden falls. — Rushing toward goals without careful planning or preparation invites disaster and setback.
- After clouds comes clear weather. — Difficult periods naturally pass, revealing better circumstances beyond temporary hardshi…
- Two's company and three's none. — A third person disrupts the intimate dynamic and comfort of a pair.
- A generous confession disarms slander. — Openly admitting faults before others exploit them removes ammunition from malicious goss…
- Counsels in wine seldom prosper. — Alcohol loosens judgment, making decisions made while drinking unlikely to succeed when s…
- Cowards are always cruel. — Fear makes people lash out at those weaker, since they cannot confront genuine threats.