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victor

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to the victor go the spoils

The winner is entitled to all of the rewards, bonuses, or benefits of success. (Also written as "To the victor belong the spoils.") John won the betting pool, so he gets the whole pot of money from those who paid in. To the victor go the spoils! A lot of other contestants on the singing competition are well worthy of signing a record deal, but to the victor go the spoils!

See also: spoil, victor

To the victors belong the spoils.

Prov. The winners achieve power over people and property. The mayor took office and immediately fired many workers and hired new ones. Everyone said, "To the victors belong the spoils."

See also: belong, spoil, victor

to the victor belong the spoils

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]

See also: belong, spoil, victor