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

Turkey set covetous eyes on Mosul, synonym for oil; Britain set faith on the adage "possession is nine points of the law."

From Time Magazine Archive

Mrs. Krill may not be so sure of the money, even though possession is nine points of the law.

From The Opal Serpent by Hume, Fergus

I have heard lots of times that possession is nine points of the law, and I was determined to possess all nine.

From Over Paradise Ridge A Romance by Daviess, Maria Thompson

Remember, possession is nine points of the law.

From Three Young Ranchmen or, Daring Adventures in the Great West by Bonehill, Ralph

Blowitz may be here at any hour, and, as he said, possession is nine points of the law.

From The Motor Boys on the Pacific Or, the Young Derelict Hunters by Young, Clarence