if you can't lick them, join them
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Alternative form of if you can't beat them, join them.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
"It don't pay to worry and try to change the world," he pointed out. "I always say take things the way they are. If you can't lick 'em, join 'em."
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “if you can't lick them, join them” mean?
Alternative form of if you can't beat them, join them.
Is “if you can't lick them, join them” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.