The winner of a competition or conflict receives the majority or entirety of the rewards, and possibly additional benefits beyond what was being fought over.
In war, the spoils could refer to land, gained power or other sought after resources. In other pursuits the spoils typically refer to accolades, money or opportunities.
The proverb is typically used to explain unequal outcomes or to remind others that the stakes of many conflicts are winner take all, zero sum, or at the very least, disproportionately favorable to the few winners.
Check out the sources section for a description of the context and information about the US politician who was credited with the phrase (in the 1830s).
In war, the spoils could refer to land, gained power or other sought after resources. In other pursuits the spoils typically refer to accolades, money or opportunities.
The proverb is typically used to explain unequal outcomes or to remind others that the stakes of many conflicts are winner take all, zero sum, or at the very least, disproportionately favorable to the few winners.
Check out the sources section for a description of the context and information about the US politician who was credited with the phrase (in the 1830s).
