Explaining "Possession is nine-tenths of the law"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 10/08/2025, 05:12

English.me team member

What does it mean?

The phrase means that ownership is often easier to claim or prove if you physically have something, even if you don't legally own it. In disputes, the person in possession is usually presumed to be the rightful owner unless someone can prove otherwise.

Tone

Informal and proverbial

Origin

This saying dates back to at least the 17th century and reflects common law principles, where possession often served as strong evidence of ownership, especially when documentation was lacking.

Examples of usage

He claimed the bicycle was his, but since she had it and no one could prove otherwise, possession was nine-tenths of the law.
That old farmhouse has been in their family for generations; as they say, possession is nine-tenths of the law.
The kids fought over the toy, but whoever held it longest usually got their way—just goes to show, possession is nine-tenths of the law.