What does “Let the best be the enemy of the good” mean?
"Let the best be the enemy of the good" means to prioritize perfection over something that is already satisfactory.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He always lets the best be the enemy of the good and spends hours perfecting his work.
Example
I appreciate his attention to detail, but sometimes he needs to remember not to let the best be the enemy of the good.
Example
She's a perfectionist and often lets the best be the enemy of the good, causing delays in project completion
Is “Let the best be the enemy of the good” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Let the best be the enemy of the good” 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 “Let the best be the enemy of the good” effectively in context?
You can use "Let the best be the enemy of the good" to caution someone against pursuing perfection at the expense of progress or completion. It suggests that striving for perfection can hinder productivity and cause unnecessary delays. For example, if a colleague is spending too much time perfecting a presentation that is already good enough, you might say, 'Don't let the best be the enemy of the good. We need to move forward with the project.'
- 1Work
He always lets the best be the enemy of the good and spends hours perfecting his work.
- 2Attention to Detail
I appreciate his attention to detail, but sometimes he needs to remember not to let the best be the enemy of the good.
- 3Project Completion
She's a perfectionist and often lets the best be the enemy of the good, causing delays in project completion.
Similar phrases to “Let the best be the enemy of the good”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Let the best be the enemy of the good” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Let the best be the enemy of the good" is attributed to the French philosopher Voltaire. He first used a similar expression in his work 'La Bégueule' in 1770, which translates to 'The Prude.' The phrase emphasizes the tendency to prioritize perfection over something that is already satisfactory.
Is “Let the best be the enemy of the good” common in everyday conversation?
The phrase "Let the best be the enemy of the good" is not as common as some other expressions, but it is still used in everyday conversation, particularly in professional settings. People often use it to remind others to prioritize progress and completion over perfection.
What tone does “Let the best be the enemy of the good” have?
"Let the best be the enemy of the good" conveys a tone of caution and practicality. It suggests that excessive pursuit of perfection can be counterproductive and hinder progress.
Can “Let the best be the enemy of the good” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "let the best be the enemy of the good" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is commonly used in professional contexts to emphasize the importance of efficiency and progress. However, it can also be used in casual conversations to discuss personal tendencies towards perfectionism.
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 needs to stop letting the best be the enemy of the good and move forward with the project.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "let the best be the enemy of the good"!' to imply the need to prioritize progress.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- prioritize progress over perfection
- focus on completion rather than perfection
- don't get caught up in perfectionism
- value progress over perfection
Antonyms
- strive for perfection
- pursue perfection at all costs
- perfection is the goal
- don't settle for less than perfection
