He that would the daughter win, Must with the mother first begin.

The saying advises a suitor to seek the mother's goodwill before pursuing her daughter. It treats the mother's opinion as influential in the courtship.

More broadly, it presents an indirect strategy: before seeking someone's favor, cultivate a good relationship with a person whose opinion may matter to them.

Use it to suggest that a suitor should make a good impression on a woman's mother. It may also be applied figuratively when someone advises building support with an influential person before pursuing a larger goal.