What does “Grasp all, lose all.” mean?

"Grasp all, lose all" means that if you try to take on too much or be too greedy, you may end up losing everything.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He tried to take on multiple projects at once, but ended up failing in all of them. Grasp all, lose all.

Example

She was so greedy for power and control that she ended up alienating all of her friends and supporters. Grasp all, lose all.

Example

He thought he could handle the pressure of managing multiple businesses, but in the end, he lost everything. *Grasp all, lose all.

Is “Grasp all, lose all.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Grasp all, lose all.” 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 “Grasp all, lose all.” effectively in context?

You can use "Grasp all, lose all." to caution someone against being too greedy or taking on too much. It emphasizes the idea that trying to have or do everything may result in losing everything. For example, if a friend is considering taking on too many responsibilities at once, you might say, 'Remember, grasp all, lose all. It's important to prioritize and not spread yourself too thin.'

1Personal Finances
He tried to invest in multiple risky ventures at once, but ended up losing all his savings. Grasp all, lose all.
2Relationships
She was so focused on having multiple romantic partners that she ended up losing the trust and love of everyone involved. Grasp all, lose all.
3Career
He took on too many projects and responsibilities at work, and as a result, his performance suffered, and he lost out on promotions. Grasp all, lose all.

Similar phrases to “Grasp all, lose all.”:

Too many irons in the fire

To have too many tasks or responsibilities at once

Example

He had so many projects going on simultaneously that he couldn't give proper attention to any of them.

Don't bite off more than you can chew

To not take on more than one can handle

Example

She accepted too many commitments and ended up overwhelmed and unable to fulfill them all.

A jack of all trades, master of none

Someone who is competent in many areas but not outstanding in any particular one

Example

He dabbled in various hobbies and skills but never became truly proficient in any of them.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Grasp all, lose all.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Grasp all, lose all." is unknown.

Is “Grasp all, lose all.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "Grasp all, lose all." is not as common as some other proverbs, but it is still recognizable and understood by native English speakers. It may be used in conversations or writing to convey the idea of the consequences of greed or taking on too much.

What tone does “Grasp all, lose all.” have?

"Grasp all, lose all." conveys a cautionary tone. It is used to warn against the dangers of being too greedy or trying to have or do everything at once.

Can “Grasp all, lose all.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Grasp all, lose all." can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that imparts a valuable lesson and can be used in various contexts, such as personal conversations, presentations, or even written articles.

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 thought he could handle it all, but remember, grasp all, lose all.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Grasp all, lose all.' to imply the consequences of being too greedy.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

be content with what you have
moderation is key
less is more
don't be too greedy
prioritize wisely