no plan survives contact with the enemy

== English == === Alternative forms === no battle plan survives contact with the enemy no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy no plan survives first contact with the enemy === Pronunciation === === Phrase === no plan survives contact with the enemy (idiomatic) After a plan against an enemy is drafted, there will be unexpected elements from the opposition that will call for improvisation. (loosely) Even with a preexisting plan, unexpected circumstances will require one to think on one's feet.