fleeing is winning; discretion is the better part of valor
Proverb meaning that sometimes it is wiser to retreat or avoid a confrontation than to fight and risk losing everything. Literally 'running away is winning'.
Here, discretion is the better part of valor. There's no need to fight recklessly.
He said 'fleeing is winning' and left the scene.
A Japanese proverb combining 逃げる (to flee) and 勝ち (winning). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a pragmatic philosophy found in many cultures.