losing is winning; sometimes you have to lose to win; he that fights and runs away may live to fight another day
Proverb meaning that a strategic retreat or accepting a small loss can lead to a greater victory later. Often used to encourage patience or a long-term perspective.
Sometimes you have to lose to win. Let's pull back for now and regroup.
A Japanese proverb combining 負ける (to lose) and 勝ち (winning), literally 'losing is winning.' The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common strategic concept found in many cultures.