If you can’t beat them, join them
phrase
It is better to join or cooperate with those who are stronger or more successful than you, than to fight against them and lose.
I've been competing with their shop for years, but they always end up getting more customers. If you can't beat them, join them. I think I'm going to merge my store with theirs.
Often appears as...
- decided to join them
- better to join them
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
It is better to join or cooperate with those who are stronger or more successful than you, than to fight against them and lose.
I've been competing with their shop for years, but they always end up getting more customers. If you can't beat them, join them. I think I'm going to merge my store with theirs.
Often appears as...
- decided to join them
- better to join them
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Adaptability
This phrase suggests adapting to a situation by joining a successful group rather than continuing a losing battle.
Their software is too dominant in the market; if you can't beat them, join them.
Pro Tip 2/3Colloquial Use
Used more in informal conversations than in formal writing or speeches.
Everyone's using that app now; I guess if you can't beat them, join them.
Pro Tip 3/3Pragmatism
Reflects the idea of being practical and choosing the easiest or most beneficial path.
She started supporting the new policy at work – if you can't beat them, join them.
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