Cleverness beat strength.

Meaning: Intelligence can overcome physical strength.

Choice of Words: The word "cleverness" is used to describe the fox's intelligence. "Beat" is used to describe the outcome of the encounter between the fox and the wolf. "Strength" is used to describe the wolf's physical power.

Alternative Expressions

Brains over brawn.

Meaning: This means that it's better to be smart than strong. It's like saying, The smartest person in the class doesn't have to be the strongest.

Choice of Words: Brains is another word for intelligence. Over means above or more important than something else. Brawn is another word for physical strength. When you put them together, "Brains over brawn" means that intelligence is more important than physical strength.

A wise head is better than a strong arm.

Meaning: This means that it's more important to have knowledge and experience than physical strength. It's like saying, The doctor with the most knowledge can help more people than the strongest person in the world.

Choice of Words: Wise means having a lot of knowledge and experience. Head is another word for brain. Better means more desirable or more effective than something else. Strong means having a lot of physical power. Arm is a body part that you use to lift and carry things. When you put them together, "A wise head is better than a strong arm" means that it's better to be smart than strong.

Related Expressions