You can’t win them all

Meaning

The idiom "you can't win them all" means that it is impossible to be successful or achieve everything you want, as some things are beyond your control. It is a reminder not to take success for granted and to recognize the limitations of what can be achieved.

Usage

• No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't win that game, but it was still fun to play.
• Even the best businesses have their setbacks, so you can't win them all.
• It's important to remember that you can't win them all when it comes to relationships.
• Don't get discouraged if you don't achieve your goals; you can't win them all.
• You can't win them all in life, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't strive for success.

Roots and History

The idiom "you can't win them all" has been used since at least the 19th century. It was first documented in print in 1875 by a writer named Herman Melville, who wrote in his novel, "Clarence," "You can't win 'em all." The idiom likely originated from the idea that it is impossible to predict the outcome of every situation, and some things are simply beyond our control.

Synonyms in English

• You can't have your cake and eat it too.
• All's well that ends well.
• It's not personal; it's just business.
• You can't judge a book by its cover.
• The grass is always greener on the other side.

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "No puedes tener tu pastel y comerlo también." (You can't have your cake and eat it too.)
• French: "Tout est bien qui finit bien." (All's well that ends well.)
• German: "Es ist nicht persönlich, das ist nur Geschäft." (It's not personal; it's just business.)
• Italian: "Non giudicare un libro per la copertina." (You can't judge a book by its cover.)
• Japanese: "隣の草が緑かった" (The grass is always greener on the other side.)

Similar Idioms

• you wish

• your sins will find you out

• you know better than that