life is too short

Idioms and Phrases

Do not waste time on unimportant matters or unworthy emotions, such as anger or anxiety. For example, I could get my revenge by snubbing Tom, but life's too short , or Don't spend all day waiting for his call—life is too short . This phrase, possibly echoing the ancient Latin proverb, Ars longa, vita brevis (“Art is long-lasting, life is short”), is often used to dismiss an unimportant or unworthy concern. [Mid-1800s]