Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-26
Meaning: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Trying to seize every possible advantage can leave a person with nothing. The saying warns that unchecked greed and overreaching often destroy even the gains already within reach.
It also favors limits, choice, and prudent restraint. By pursuing too many rewards at once, someone may overextend resources, neglect what matters, or provoke losses that a narrower aim could have avoided.
- When it is used
Use this proverb to caution against greedily taking every opportunity, possession, or advantage. It suits situations involving overexpansion, excessive ambition, or refusal to settle for a reasonable share when restraint would protect an existing benefit.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Grasp all, lose all.