might makes right

== English == === Alternative forms === might is right === Etymology === Inherited from Middle English might is right, first attested in the 14th century. The concept is expressed by various classical authors; a similar argument is notably attributed to Thrasymachus by Plato in the Republic 340a (in Paul Shorey’s translation, “the advantage of the stronger is just”). === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈmaɪ̯t meɪ̯ks ˈɹaɪ̯t/, [ˈmaɪ̯t me̞ɪ̯ks ˈɹaɪ̯t] Rhymes: -aɪt === Proverb === might makes right What is right or wrong is determined by power and strength; power justifies itself. ==== Usage notes ==== Frequently invoked sarcastically or with pejorative attribution to decry the immorality of one's opponent. ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== argumentum ad baculum for my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law history is written by the victors kratocracy, kraterocracy the strong do what they can and the weak suffer what they must vae victis === References ===