All's fair in love and war

Definitions

• justification for questionable actions
  To justify any actions, no matter how unethical or immoral, when it comes to love or war

• no rules or boundaries
  To imply that in love and war, anything goes and there are no limits or restrictions on behavior

Examples of All's fair in love and war

• Sarah knew that in matters of love and war, all's fair. She didn't hesitate to play dirty tricks on her ex-boyfriend, just as she wouldn't hesitate to use any means necessary to win a battle on the front lines.

  This idiom means that in situations where emotions run high, such as love and war, traditional rules of fairness may not apply. People may resort to underhanded tactics or deceitful behavior in order to achieve their goals.

• In the cutthroat world of business, all's fair in love and war. Emma knew that if she wanted to climb the corporate ladder, she would have to be just as ruthless as the men around her.

  This idiom can also be applied to other competitive situations, such as business or politics, where people may feel justified in using unconventional methods to gain an advantage.

• Jack's girlfriend had broken up with him, and he was determined to win her back. All's fair in love and war, he thought, as he devised a plan to make her jealous.

  This idiom can be used to justify actions that may seem questionable or dishonest, as long as they are done in the pursuit of a desired outcome.

• In the heat of battle, all's fair in love and war. The soldiers knew that they had to be willing to do whatever it took to survive, even if it meant stepping on a few toes or breaking a few rules.

  This idiom emphasizes the intense and unpredictable nature of war, where traditional notions of fairness may be overridden by the need to survive.

• Maria's boyfriend had cheated on her, and she was determined to get revenge. All's fair in love and war, she thought, as she hatched a plan to teach him a lesson.

  This idiom can be used to describe situations where people feel justified in taking revenge or seeking retribution, even if it means breaking the rules or acting dishonestly.

Conclusion

The idiom "all's fair in love and war" is often used to express the idea that when it comes to matters of love and war, there are no rules or boundaries. It can also be used to justify any actions, no matter how questionable, in the pursuit of love or during times of war. This idiom suggests that in these intense and emotional situations, people are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means acting in ways that may be considered unethical or immoral.

In terms of love, this idiom can be used to explain behaviors such as lying, cheating, or manipulating someone's feelings, all in the name of love. Similarly, in war, it can be used to justify actions such as espionage, sabotage, or even violence. The underlying message is that in these high-stakes situations, the usual rules and morals may not apply.

Origin of "All's fair in love and war"

The origins of this idiom are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 16th century. It has been attributed to various sources, including John Lyly's play "Euphues" and the poet John Suckling. However, its first recorded use in its current form was in the 19th century in a book by Francis Edward Smedley.

The idiom is thought to have been inspired by the concept of chivalry, which often involved codes of conduct and rules for love and war. This phrase challenges those traditional ideas and suggests that in these intense and emotional situations, people are willing to break those codes and act without restraint. Today, it is a commonly used expression to convey the idea that when it comes to love and war, anything goes.