What does “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” mean?
"The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good" means that striving for perfection may prevent us from accomplishing anything at all. While it is important to aim for excellence, sometimes good is good enough. Perfectionism can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety, and may even result in failure.
What context can I use the in?
Example
She spent so much time trying to make the presentation perfect that she missed the deadline. The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.
Example
He was so focused on finding the perfect job that he missed out on several good opportunities. The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.
Example
Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, sometimes it's better to take action and make the most of the present. *The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.
Is “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The best is oftentimes 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 “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” effectively in context?
You can use "The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good" to remind yourself or others that it's important to find a balance between striving for excellence and accepting good enough. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this proverb:
- 1Work
Instead of spending excessive time on perfecting every detail of a project, it's often more effective to focus on completing it to a good standard within the given timeframe. As they say, 'The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.'
- 2Decision Making
When faced with multiple options, it's easy to get caught up in searching for the perfect choice. However, it's important to remember that sometimes good is good enough. Don't let the pursuit of perfection hinder your ability to make a decision. Remember, 'The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.'
- 3Personal Growth
In personal development, it's common to strive for perfection in various aspects of life. However, it's important to recognize that perfection is unattainable and can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. Instead, focus on making progress and embracing the journey. Remember, 'The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.'
Similar phrases to “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good" is attributed to the French philosopher Voltaire. He wrote, 'Le mieux est l'ennemi du bien,' which translates to 'The best is the enemy of the good.' This phrase emphasizes the idea that striving for perfection can hinder progress and prevent us from achieving satisfactory results.
Is “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” common in everyday conversation?
While not as commonly used as some other proverbs, "The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good" is still known and understood by many English speakers. It is often used in discussions about productivity, decision making, and personal growth.
What tone does “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” have?
"The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It encourages individuals to avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism and embrace the concept of good enough.
Can “The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good.” be used in informal and formal settings?
This proverb can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is suitable for everyday conversations, as well as professional or academic discussions. Its universal message makes it applicable in various contexts.
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, 'She spent so much time trying to make the presentation perfect that she missed the deadline. "The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying '"The best is oftentimes the enemy of the good"' to imply the importance of finding a balance between perfection and completion.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- striving for perfection can hinder progress
- don't let perfectionism hold you back
- finding a balance between excellence and completion
- accepting good enough
- embracing imperfection
Antonyms
- perfection leads to success
- settling for mediocrity
- accepting subpar results
- ignoring the pursuit of excellence
- embracing complacency
