You Can’t Win ‘Em All
In the ever-revolving carousel of life, triumph and tribulation ride hand-in-hand. The phrase “You can’t win ’em all” suggests a balanced and realistic perspective, acknowledging that failure is an inevitable part of existence.
Meaning & Origin
- Definition: It’s impossible to succeed in every attempt.
- Origin: This twentieth-century Americanism dates back to around 1940 and holds a close affinity with the saying “win some, lose some.”
Literary Example:
“Take it easy, Doc. You can’t win ’em all.”
— Raymond Chandler, The Long Goodbye (1954)
Antonym:
“You can have it all.”
Synonyms:
- Win some, lose some
- Every dog has its day
- Down but not out
- Easy come, easy go
Related Terms & Proverbs
- Proverb: “Every cloud has a silver lining” (Emphasizes the positive outlook, akin to finding a win within a loss).
- Idiom: “Better luck next time” (Expresses hope and encouragement after a failure).
- Expression: “That’s the way the cookie crumbles” (Conveys acceptance of hard or disappointing situations).
Quotes & Humor:
- “If Plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan.” – Claire Cook
- “Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, but professionals built the Titanic.” – Anonymous
Recommended Reads & Media
- Book: The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler – As referenced, a novel rich with philosophical undertones and engaging mysteries.
- Song: “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by The Rolling Stones – This song aligns harmoniously with the theme of accepting setbacks.
- Movie: Rocky – The iconic underdog story revels in the idea of perseverance through failure.
Fun Trivia Quiz! 🎉
Remember, life’s syllabus will have its share of pop quizzes—be it wins or losses, each is a lesson learned. Tackling life’s tests with a bit of wit and wisdom will always keep you walking forward, even if occasionally you trip. What’s essential is recognizing the universality of failure and striving onward nonetheless.
- Penelope Phrasewright
