Dictionary Home »
The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms » to the victor belong the spoils
to the victor belong the spoils
to the victor belong the spoils idiom
The winner gets everything, as in He not only won the tournament but ended up with numerous lucrative endorsements—to the victor belong the spoils. This expression alludes to the spoils system of American politics, whereby the winner of an election gives desirable jobs to party supporters. [First half of 1800s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Print
E-mail
Link/Cite
Bookmark
Add to Word List
Share on FacebookComments
Improve this definition.
Browse dictionary definitions near to the victor belong the spoils
to the tune of
to the top of one's bent
to the recruiter
to wit
Suggestion Box
Follow YD on
