The better part of valour is discretion

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Meaning

Caution or withdrawal can be wiser than taking a needless risk merely to appear brave. Often lightly humorous or self-justifying. Valour is the British spelling; valor is standard in American English. Regional use: Origin in English drama; now international English.

Origin

Falstaff justifies pretending to be dead in Henry IV, Part 1, written around 1596-97, with 'The better part of valour is discretion'. The joke suits a character adept at turning self-preservation into philosophy, so the line can carry an ironic undertone. The now common 'discretion is the better part of valour' reverses Shakespeare's order without changing the basic advice.

Research Sources

  1. Henry IV, Part 1 - Entire Play Folger Shakespeare Library
  2. Discretion is the better part of valour Phrase Finder

Variants

  • Discretion is the better part of valour
  • Discretion is the better part of valor
  • The better part of valor is discretion

Usage Examples

  • We could challenge the ruling tonight, but the better part of valour is discretion.
  • Discretion was the better part of valour, so the hikers turned back before the ridge.
  • He mistook every sensible retreat for cowardice, forgetting that discretion is the better part of valour.

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