answersLogoWhite

0

I usually hesr it used in politics, to mean that a particular issue is not worth fighting for, even if you're on the right side, if doing so will damage your interests.

As an example, let's say a hardened criminal is on death-row in the USA, and the governor knows he's probably innocent. But the governor is also up for re-election. His adviser might say to him...

"Look, maybe that guy didn't commit that particular murder. But we all know he's a scumbag, who's done a lot of other bad stuff in his life. The public thinks he's guilty, they want him dead, and if you commute the sentence, you can kiss good-bye to your political career. Is saving the life of one degenerate thug really a hill you want to die on?"

A similar expression I've heard used, though less frequently, is "Paris is worth a mass". Apparently, way back when, there was one guy in line to become king of France, but he was a protestant, and would have to become Catholic to take the throne. After thinking it over, he reportedly said "Paris is worth a mass", meaning that even though he disagrees with Catholicism, it's better to convert and become king, then to stay in his faith and not become king.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?