perfect is the enemy of good en · X
Etymology
A variant of the older the best is the enemy of the good, popularized by Voltaire in French as le mieux est l'ennemi du bien, itself a translation of the Italian proverb il meglio è nemico del bene.
Meanings
- Insistence on perfection often precludes the opportunity for something worthwhile.
- Insistence on perfection precludes gradual improvement through compromises.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| the perfect is the enemy of the good | alternative | lexicographic |
Deriveds
let the perfect be the enemy of the good · make the perfect the enemy of the good
Relateds
half a loaf is better than none · leave well enough alone
Synonyms
perfection is the enemy of good · perfect is the enemy of good enough · the better is the enemy of the good · better is the enemy of good · the best is the enemy of the good
Translations (8)
cmn 求全責備 /求全责备 (Translations) · it il meglio è nemico del bene (Translations) · fr le mieux est l'ennemi du bien (Translations) · de das Bessere ist der Feind des Guten (Translations) · eo plibono estas malamiko de bono (Translations) · pl lepsze jest wrogiem dobrego (Translations) · vi cầu toàn trách bị (Translations) · nb det beste er det godes verste fiende (Translations)