In war, the last bullet is still good — resources should never be exhausted willingly; always keep something in reserve. Also: hold back your strongest argument for when it is most needed.
Piedmont is the most militarised of the Italian regions — the Savoy dynasty built its power on a professional army, and Piedmontese soldiers were renowned across Europe for their discipline and reliability. The regiments of Savoy fought in the Thirty Years War, in the wars of Louis XIV's neighbours, against Napoleon, and eventually for Italian unification. The military culture permeated civilian life, and this proverb is one of the traces it left. The last bullet — the final reserve — must never be wasted. In civilian life the lesson is about reserves: the merchant who spends everything has nothing left when opportunity or crisis arrives; the negotiator who uses all his arguments has nothing left to concede. Reserve is strength; exhaustion is defeat.
Piedmontese military proverb rooted in the long Savoy military tradition. Piedmont had one of the most professional armies in Europe in the eighteenth century.
A Piedmontese general advising a young officer (historical)
Non consumare le riserve finché non hai visto l'ultima linea nemica. A la guèra, l'ultim bala a l'è bon.
Do not exhaust the reserves until you have seen the enemy's last line. In war, the last bullet is still good.
A Turin businessman before a final negotiation
Non usare ancora la concessione sul prezzo. A la guèra, l'ultim bala a l'è bon — tienila per quando sono sul punto di andarsene.
Do not use the price concession yet. In war, the last bullet is still good — keep it for when they are about to walk out.
A Piedmontese savings advisor
Tieni sempre tre mesi di spese in riserva. A la guèra, l'ultim bala a l'è bon — non sai mai quando arriva la crisi.
Always keep three months of expenses in reserve. In war, the last bullet is still good — you never know when the crisis will come.
A Turin chess player to his protégé
Non sacrificare la torre adesso. A la guèra, l'ultim bala a l'è bon — aspetta che l'avversario si sia già indebolito.
Do not sacrifice the rook now. In war, the last bullet is still good — wait until the opponent has already weakened.