let the perfect be the enemy of the good
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.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Finish your report now; do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
“We need to launch the website today, so please stop editing and do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.”
“While the architect desired a flawless masterpiece, he eventually realized he must not let the perfect be the enemy of the good if he wanted to complete the project on time.”
- 01
a good deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 02
all good
It's all good.
- 03
be one's own worst enemy
To act contrary to one's own interests; to cause problems for oneself; to self-sabotage.
- 04
bill of goods
A set of misleading or deceptive claims.
- 05
but good
To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.
- 06
buy to let
To purchase a property as in investment, and to let it out for rental instead of living in it
- 07
come from a good place
To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.
- 08
come up with the goods
To produce what was expected or required.
Last updated August 10, 2026