to the victor, the spoils

to the victor, the spoils

The winner is entitled to all of the rewards, bonuses, or benefits of success. (Also written as "To the victor go/belong the spoils.") John won the betting pool, so he gets the whole pot of money from those who paid in. To the victor, the spoils! A lot of other contestants on the singing competition are well worthy of signing a record deal, but only one can win— and to the victor, the spoils!
See also: spoil
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

to the victor, the spoils

or

to the victor go the spoils

People say to the victor, the spoils or to the victor go the spoils to mean that the person who wins a competition, fight, etc. can take everything of value. He believed in the principle of to the victor, the spoils.
See also: spoil
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • to the victor belong the spoils
  • to the victor go the spoils
  • To the victors belong the spoils
  • victor
  • up pot
  • up-pot
  • pot
  • the pot
  • up the ante
  • for the pot
References in periodicals archive
So to the victor, the spoils, and the delaying action of the bake-off process does keep the children at home, at least for a time.
To the victor, the spoils. But for the vanquished, especially someone who has carried the weight of anation's hopes on his broad shoulders, there was no solace in silver.
AND NOW LET'S CELEBRATE Dan and Jamie Roberts enjoy lovely bubbly before the serious revels begin TO THE VICTOR, THE SPOILS Dan and teammate Toby Faletau collect their medals after last week's Grand Slam triumph
TO THE VICTOR, THE SPOILS: Steven Gerrard departs the scene of his Derby triumph
IT WAS a case of 'to the Victor, the spoils' as Everton's hero with the comic-strip name put the Toon Army to the sword.
TO THE VICTOR, THE SPOILS: Tony Adams lifts the Cup for Arsenal in '98 (above left) and Dennis Wise two years ago