best is the enemy of (the) good
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Визначення та Значення "best is the enemy of (the) good"

best is the enemy of (the) good
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used to advise against striving for perfection or the best possible outcome, as it can be a hindrance to achieving a good result and may cause unnecessary stress or effort

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What is the origin of the proverb "best is the enemy of good" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "best is the enemy of good" is often attributed to Voltaire, the French Enlightenment writer and philosopher, who used this expression in his work 'La Bégueule' (1772). It suggests that the pursuit of perfection can become an obstacle, causing unnecessary stress or effort and potentially preventing the accomplishment of a satisfactory or acceptable outcome. The proverb serves as a reminder to balance effort and expectations, understanding that sometimes good enough is sufficient.

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Example
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The writer who spends too much time trying to achieve the perfect sentence or paragraph may never finish their work, illustrating how best is the enemy of good.
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