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The best is the enemy of the good Meaning in English

expression

thuh BEST iz thuh EN-uh-mee uhv thuh GUUD
thuh BEST iz thuh EN-uh-mee ov thuh GUUD

Definition

This expression means that trying to achieve perfection can prevent you from finishing something that is already good enough.

Usage & Nuances

Used as a piece of advice in both formal and informal contexts. Common in workplace, project, or creative discussions, warning against perfectionism. Similar phrases: 'done is better than perfect' or 'don't let perfect be the enemy of good.' Often used to encourage pragmatism.

Spanish: lo mejor es enemigo de lo buenoPortuguese (BR): o ótimo é inimigo do bomPortuguese (PT): o ótimo é inimigo do bomChinese (Simplified): 完美是好事的敌人Chinese (Traditional): 完美是好事的敵人Hindi: अति उत्तम अच्छा का दुश्मन हैArabic: الأفضل عدو الجيدBengali: সর্বোत्तম ভালোর শত্রুRussian: лучшее — враг хорошегоJapanese: 最善は善の敵Vietnamese: cái tốt nhất là kẻ thù của cái tốtKorean: 최선은 좋은 것의 적이다Turkish: mükemmel, iyinin düşmanıdırUrdu: بہترین اچھے کا دشمن ہےIndonesian: yang terbaik adalah musuh dari yang baik

Example Sentences

Remember, the best is the enemy of the good when working on your project.

basic

She couldn't finish the essay because the best is the enemy of the good.

basic

We need to remember that the best is the enemy of the good when making decisions.

basic

I kept editing my presentation, but then I realized the best is the enemy of the good and just turned it in.

natural

Don't get stuck trying to make it perfect—the best is the enemy of the good!

natural

Sometimes, you just have to accept that the best is the enemy of the good and move on.

natural