What I accept I do not reject.

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Acceptance and rejection are incompatible — a party who accepts a benefit or condition cannot simultaneously disclaim it, and acceptance binds.

Where this applies

• A man accepts a severance package from his employer and then tries to sue for wrongful termination — the court says he cannot accept the benefit and reject the condition that came with it.
• A buyer accepts delivery of goods and then claims she never agreed to the purchase — acceptance and rejection are incompatible.
• A tenant accepts a lease renewal with new terms and then tries to insist on the old terms — by accepting, she cannot simultaneously reject what she agreed to.