All's fair in love and war Meaning in English

expression

US

AWLZ FAIR in LUHV and WAR

UK

AWLZ FAIR in LUV and WAR

Definition

This expression means that in situations of love and conflict, any behavior is acceptable to achieve your goal, even if it’s usually considered unfair or dishonest.

Usage & Nuances

This proverb is informal and often said to justify questionable actions in romance or conflict. Used humorously or to excuse bending the rules; not meant for serious crimes or extreme behavior.

• Spanish: en el amor y en la guerra, todo vale
• Portuguese (BR): no amor e na guerra, vale tudo
• Portuguese (PT): no amor e na guerra, vale tudo
• Chinese (Simplified): 爱与战争中没有规则
• Chinese (Traditional): 愛與戰爭中沒有規則
• Hindi: प्रेम और युद्ध में सब जायज है
• Arabic: كل شيء مباح في الحب والحرب
• Bengali: প্রেম আর যুদ্ধে সবই ন্যায্য - প্রেম ও যুদ্ধে সবকিছুই চলে
• Russian: на войне как на войне, а в любви — тем более - в любви и на войне все средства хороши
• Japanese: 恋愛と戦争では手段を選ばない - 恋と戦争は何でもあり
• Vietnamese: trong tình yêu và chiến tranh, mọi thứ đều được phép
• Korean: 사랑과 전쟁에서는 모든 것이 허용된다 - 사랑과 전쟁에는 규칙이 없다
• Turkish: aşkta ve savaşta her şey mubahtır - aşk ve savaşta her yol mübah
• Urdu: محبت اور جنگ میں سب جائز ہے
• Indonesian: trong tình yêu và chiến tranh, mọi điều đều được phép - dalam cinta dan perang, semuanya sah

Example Sentences

He took her notebook, but she just laughed and said, 'all's fair in love and war.'

basic

If you want to win his heart, remember that all's fair in love and war.

basic

She lied to get the job, thinking, 'all's fair in love and war.'

basic

You stole my fries, but I guess all's fair in love and war.

natural

He sent her flowers even though she has a boyfriend. Well, all's fair in love and war!

natural

Don’t get mad—all's fair in love and war when it comes to getting concert tickets!

natural