possession is nine points of the law

Idioms  

1. Actually holding something is better than merely claiming it. For example, When Karen told John he must return the sofa he'd borrowed, he said possession is nine points of the law. This term originally alluded to nine elements that would aid someone's lawsuit, among them a good lawyer, good witnesses, a good jury, a good judge, and good luck. In time, however, the term was used more for squatter's rights. [Late 1500s]

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Example Sentences

If possession is nine points of the law, there was never a place in the history of the world held with nine as obvious points.

From Project Gutenberg

Possession is nine points of the law, and they say there are but ten.

From Project Gutenberg

And thus, on the principle that "possession is nine points of the law," it secures for its roots the use of a certain amount of territory quite safe from the encroachments of other plants.

From Project Gutenberg

—What is the origin of the expression "Possession is nine points of the law?"

From Project Gutenberg

You had better write your 64 father that you have been adopted by a very obstinate old party, who believes that possession is nine points of the law.”

From Project Gutenberg