discretion is the better part of valour

English

Alternative forms

• discretion is the better part of valor (US)

Etymology

Alteration of "The better part of valour is discretion," spoken by Falstaff in Shakespeare's Henry IV, Act V, Scene 4.

Proverb

discretion is the better part of valour

1. It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.
   • c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iv]:

     The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part, I have saved my life.

   • 2019 October, Chris Stokes, “Between the Lines”, in Modern Railways, page 97:

     At least there was no problem with Alison travelling on the 'wrong' train - discretion was the better part of valour for ticket checks [on a train full of football supporters].

References

• “discretion is the better part of valour”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.