Tact wins where might fails - English expression

Meaning:

Might wins victory in battles and bouts. But it fails in coping with difficult situations during social interaction. Then tact comes into play and triumphs.

Alternatives:

Tact cuts painlessly.

Diplomacy, without tact, is like an egg without salt.

Illustrative Story:

Franklin Roosevelt, President of the Unites States, appointed J.F.T. O'Connor of Los Angeles as the Comptroller of Currency. It marked a proud moment for the people of Los Angeles. A few influential people of the town organized a luncheon in the honor of O'Connor. The elite of the town were invited. Business tycoons rubbed shoulders with rich landlords. Professors and professionals had a gala time. A large number of women too attended the function.

O'Connor thanked the organizers for the honor. He went round, greeting friends and acquaintances. He stopped on seeing one of the leading film stars. She was young, extremely beautiful and charming. He greeted her warmly. "Glad you made it. You give Color to the settings," O'Connor complimented her.

"Thank you. All of us, here, are happy at your success in politics." She paused, held him by the arm and enquired, "Is it true, my dear Sir, that you plan to issue a new set of currency notes with a different design?"

 "You seem to be well-informed," O'Connor dodged. But she did not drop the topic. "Why can't you, my dear Mr. O'Connor, put my profile on the new currency notes?" She asked.

That took O'Connor by surprise. He had least expected such a suggestion. The very idea was preposterous. How could he make her understand without sounding rude? He realized the need to be tactful. "Wonderful I," he pressed her hand, gently, and showed his joy. Her eyes sparkled with delight. Then he added, rather sadly, "However I'm afraid I can't comply with your request. I certainly regret not being able to do so. But you know the President is opposed to hoarding and I know that if the young men get their hands on the money, with your picture on it, they would never turn it loose."

She got the message. He had turned her request down. Yet she did not feel the slightest hurt. In fact she felt happy because he had paid a tribute to her beauty. Tact saved the day for O'Connor.