The fox knows much, but more he that catcheth him.

Cleverness and experience can help a person evade danger, yet an opponent who finally outwits them may possess greater skill, knowledge, or patience.

The saying cautions against assuming that a shrewd person cannot be defeated. Success in overcoming such a person suggests that the victor understood the contest even better.

Use it when a notably crafty or resourceful person is nevertheless outmaneuvered, caught, or defeated by someone whose strategy proves superior. It can praise the successful rival while warning against overconfidence.