if you can't beat them, join them; you can't fight city hall
Proverb advising that when facing a stronger opponent or authority, it is wiser to go along with them rather than resist. Often used to describe pragmatic submission to power.
It's no use opposing the boss's opinion. If you can't beat them, join them.
He always follows the principle of 'if you can't beat them, join them' and never defies those in power.
Literally “be wrapped by a long object,” using a long object as a metaphor for a powerful person or organization to which it is prudent to submit.