All's fair in love and war: Learn what the means through example!

What does “All's fair in love and war” mean?

"All's fair in love and war" means that there are no rules or limits when it comes to matters of love and conflict.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He was willing to do anything to win her heart, because all's fair in love and war.

Example

They say all's fair in love and war, so she didn't hold back in her pursuit of victory.

Example

In the game of love, all's fair in love and war, and he was determined to come out on top

Is “All's fair in love and war” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“All's fair in love and war” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “All's fair in love and war” effectively in context?

You can use "All's fair in love and war" to express the idea that in certain situations, any behavior or action is considered acceptable or justified. It implies that there are no rules or limits when it comes to matters of the heart or during times of conflict. For example, if a friend is hesitant to compete with someone they have feelings for, you might say, 'Don't worry, "all's fair in love and war". Give it your best shot.'

• 1. Romantic Relationships

  He was willing to do anything to win her heart, because all's fair in love and war.

• 2. Competition

  They say all's fair in love and war, so she didn't hold back in her pursuit of victory.

• 3. Love and Relationships

  In the game of love, all's fair in love and war, and he was determined to come out on top.

Similar phrases to “All's fair in love and war”:

Desperate times call for desperate measures

Extreme situations require extreme actions

Example

She was running out of options, so she decided that desperate times called for desperate measures.

No holds barred

Without any restrictions or limitations

Example

In this competition, it's no holds barred. Anything goes.

End justifies the means

The desired outcome justifies any action taken to attain it

Example

He believed that the end justified the means, so he was willing to do whatever it took to succeed.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “All's fair in love and war” come from?

The origin of the phrase "All's fair in love and war" is unknown.

Is “All's fair in love and war” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "All's fair in love and war" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It is frequently used to justify certain actions or behaviors in the context of love or conflict.

What tone does “All's fair in love and war” have?

"All's fair in love and war" conveys a tone of acceptance and understanding. It suggests that in certain situations, it is acceptable to do whatever it takes to achieve one's goals, even if it may seem unfair or unethical.

Can “All's fair in love and war” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "all's fair in love and war" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known proverb that can be used in various contexts, such as casual conversations among friends or more formal discussions about relationships or conflicts.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He was willing to do anything to win her heart, because "all's fair in love and war".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "all's fair in love and war"!' to imply that any action is acceptable in certain situations.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• fair game
• open season
• anything goes
• no rules apply
• unrestricted behavior

Antonyms

• play by the rules
• follow the code of conduct
• observe ethical boundaries
• respect limits
• adhere to fair play