fortunes of war
Fortunes of war - The results of combat or other competition (see also win some, lose some). This expression, at first meaning simply that the issue of battle is uncertain (as Cicero put it in Pro Milone, 52 B.C.), dates from the fifteenth century, when William Caxton used it in his version of one of Aesop’s fables (“fortune of warre”). Later it was transferred to other undertakings in which the outcome is not a certainty.
Related and Similar Terms
- Win some, lose some: An acknowledgment that success and failure are both part of life.
- Luck of the draw: The outcome is a matter of chance.
- Hit or miss: Sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing.
- Against all odds: Achieving success despite great difficulties.
- Touch and go: Uncertain and very risky; could go either way.
Synonyms
- Uncertain outcome
- Chancy result
- Gamble
- Risky proposition
Antonyms
- Certainty
- Sure thing
Humorous Quote
“A lot of military knowing is know-how, but a lot of it too is grim guessing, and betting on chances, and luck breaks.” – James Jones, From Here to Eternity
Related Proverbs
- “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” – Robert Burns
- “Fortune favors the brave.” – Latin Proverb
- “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
Recommendations in Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- Literature: War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (an exhaustive exploration of the chaos and uncertainty in battle and life).
- Books: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (satirically exposes the absurdities and contradictions of war).
- Songs: “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival (speaks to the idea of random luck in war and life circumstances).
- Poetry: “The Soldier” by Rupert Brooke (reflects on the personal impact and randomness of war).
- Movies: Apocalypse Now (explores the surreal and uncertain nature of the Vietnam War).
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell
“Life, much like war, is full of uncertainties and unexpected turns. It is in navigating these ‘fortunes of war’ with courage, resilience, and a touch of humor that we discover our true strength and character.”
