Definition
This idiom suggests that withdrawing from a difficult situation can be a wise and justifiable decision, allowing one to avoid immediate harm and potentially return to the challenge later.
Faced with overwhelming enemy forces, they chose to retreat, understanding that 'he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day'.
She realized the argument was pointless and decided to withdraw, knowing that 'he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day'.
Although he wanted to argue back, he chose to remain silent, understanding that 'he who fights and runs away, lives to fight another day'.