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They feed the crocodile in the hope that he will eat them…

“They feed the crocodile in the hope that he will eat them last.” quote by Winston Churchill
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“They feed the crocodile in the hope that he will eat them last.”

Winston Churchill

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Feeding a threat hoping it will later be eliminated is a self‑defeating strategy that invites disaster.

In simple terms: Feeding the crocodile invites danger.

Key Takeaway

Avoid empowering future threats.

Themes

politics strategy risk

Mood

cautious serious

Type

strategic political

When to use this quote

  • foreign policy
  • corporate competition
  • environmental management

Key Concepts

power dynamics self‑fulfilling prophecy danger management

Questions to Reflect On

  • What risks arise from empowering adversaries?
  • How to balance immediate needs with future safety?
A Different Perspective

Short‑term gains can create long‑term risks.

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