All’s fair in love and war

usgb
phrase

In certain situations, people are allowed to behave in ways that would normally be considered unacceptable.

He knew it was wrong to gossip about his best friend, but as he was interested in the same girl, he thought, all's fair in love and war.
Visual representation of "all’s fair in love and war" - In certain situations, people are allowed to behave in ways that would normally be considered unacceptable.

Often appears as...

  • using unfair tactics
  • breaking some rules

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "all’s fair in love and war"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Matters

Used in situations when someone does something unexpected or mildly inappropriate for a passionate purpose.

Illustration for Context Matters
When she hid his phone so he wouldn't call another girl, it was like all's fair in love and war.
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Not for Serious Wrongdoings

Doesn't justify harmful or illegal acts; context is key for this phrase's acceptability.

Illustration for Not for Serious Wrongdoings
She felt bad about eavesdropping, yet all's fair in love and war.
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Figurative Use

Often used figuratively to speak about competitions or rivalries in other areas of life.

Illustration for Figurative Use
They spammed social media for votes in the school election - all's fair in love and war, right?
Visual representation of the word "All’s fair in love and war"

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