all is fair in love and war

all is fair in love and war

Otherwise questionable actions are acceptable under extenuating circumstances. Often written as "all's fair in love and war." A: "I can't believe you took credit for my idea just so you would look good to the boss!" B: "Come on, all is fair in love and war!"
See also: all, and, fair, love, war

all's fair in love and war

A phrase used to justify behavior that could be considered unsavory, unethical, or unfair. So I had to flatter the boss in order to get that big promotion. All's fair in love and war, right? I told Jeff that Mary had a boyfriend because I wanted to ask her out first. Say what you will, but all's fair in love and war!
See also: and, fair, love, war
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • all's fair in love and war
  • koshe
  • (something) is one thing, (something else) is (quite) another
  • it's one thing to (do sth), it's another thing to (do sth else)
  • it's one thing to (do sth), it's quite another to (do sth else)
  • it's one thing to do A, it's another to do B
  • it's one thing to (do something), it's another to (do something else)
  • be in step (with someone or something)
  • all's one to (one)
  • God's in his heaven; all's right with the world