Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

let the perfect be the enemy of the good

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.53 in modern English

Syllables: let the per-fec-t be the en-e-my of the -good
IPA

60

Scrabble Score

32

Letters

6

Syllables

15

Unique Chars

Meaning

verb

To insist on the total realization of a goal and reject any compromise, thereby decreasing the chance of achieving even a part of that goal.

Example Sentences

"More data and more analyses will provide better information for the future, but we dare not let “the perfect be the enemy of the good”."
"Of course they are far from perfect, of course we are more than ready to welcome constructive improvements to them, but I beg Parliament and also Member Governments not to let the perfect be the enemy of the good."
"Incremental reform can move us forward and can improve the plight of the poor. I hope we do not let “the perfect be the enemy of the good” in welfare reform."
"But we shouldn’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good."

Inflected Forms

lets the perfect be the enemy of the good (present, singular) letting the perfect be the enemy of the good (participle, present)

Phrases

if it ain't broke, don't fix it perfect is the enemy of good

Frequently Paired Words

if it ain't broke, don't fix it perfect is the enemy of good

Questions

What does let the perfect be the enemy of the good mean?: To insist on the total realization of a goal and reject any compromise, thereby decreasing the chance of achieving even a part of that goal.

How to pronounce let the perfect be the enemy of the good

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