All is fair in love and war

Meaning

The idiom "all is fair in love and war" means that during times of intense emotion or conflict, people tend to behave more aggressively and without restraint. In other words, when the stakes are high, people are willing to do things they wouldn't normally do.

Usage

• During the heated debate in the classroom, tempers flared and all was fair in love and war as each student tried to make their point.
• In times of war, soldiers often act without regard for the consequences, knowing that all is fair in love and war.
• The two lovers were at odds over the future of their relationship, and all was fair in love and war as they argued passionately about their feelings.
• When it comes to politics, candidates will do whatever it takes to win, even if it means resorting to negative campaigning and attacking their opponents without mercy - all is fair in love and war.
• In the high-stakes world of sports, athletes often push themselves to their limits and take risks they wouldn't normally take, knowing that all is fair in love and war on the field.

Roots and History

The idiom "all is fair in love and war" has its roots in ancient Greek mythology, where the goddess Aphrodite was said to have declared that during times of war and passion, anything went. This phrase has since been used to justify unethical behavior and aggression in various contexts. Over time, the idiom has evolved to reflect a more nuanced understanding of human behavior. While it is true that people tend to behave differently in times of intense emotion or conflict, this does not necessarily mean that anything goes. It also does not excuse harmful or unethical behavior.

Synonyms in English

• In love and war, all bets are off
• In the heat of the moment, anything can happen
• During heated arguments, people say things they wouldn't normally say
• When emotions run high, people act without thinking
• In times of conflict, people tend to be more aggressive and less restrained

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: En el momento de la pasión, todo es posible
• French: Au moment de l'amour ou de la guerre, tout est permis
• German: Im Moment der Leidenschaft oder des Krieges, alles ist erlaubt
• Italian: Nell'istante dell'amore o della guerra, tutto è possibile
• Russian: В момент любви или войны, все дозволено

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