might makes right
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English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Inherited from Middle English might is right, first attested in the 14th century. The concept is expressed by various classical authors; a similar argument is notably attributed to Thrasymachus by Plato in the Republic 340a (in Paul Shorey’s translation, “the advantage of the stronger is just”).
Proverb
Usage notes
- Frequently invoked sarcastically or with pejorative attribution to decry the immorality of one's opponent.
Translations
morality cannot question the powerful
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See also
- argumentum ad baculum
- history is written by the victors
- kratocracy, kraterocracy
- the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must
- vae victis
References
- ^ “might is right, phr.” under “might, n.”, in OED Online
, Oxford, Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.
