discretion is the better part of valour

• discretion is the better part of valor (US)

discretion is the better part of valour

1. It is often wise to refrain from seemingly brave speech or action.
   • c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The First Part of Henry the Fourth, […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene iv]:

     The better part of valour is discretion; in the which better part, I have saved my life.

   • 2019 October, Chris Stokes, “Between the Lines”, in Modern Railways, page 97:

     At least there was no problem with Alison travelling on the 'wrong' train - discretion was the better part of valour for ticket checks [on a train full of football supporters].

• “discretion is the better part of valour”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.