What Does “choose your battles” mean?
Definition:
If you choose your battles wisely, you are selective of the problems, arguments, and confrontations that you get involved in. Sometimes, it is wiser to save your time and effort only for the things that matter than to choose to fight every problem.
Another variation of this phrase:
– Pick your battles
Other related phrases:
– Keep your powder dry
– Not a hill worth dying on
The origin of the idiom
The origin of the phrase is unknown. The use of the term ‘battles’ may refer to the fact that it is wiser to fight ‘battles’ that are important and let go of the rest.
Example(s)
To live a healthier life, you have to learn to choose your battles.
Be wise and pick your battles – fight the most important battles and let go of the rest.
Successful politicians choose their battles wisely.