A bad workman always blames his tools
Meaning: Incompetent people blame external factors for their failures instead of taking responsibility.
Origin: English proverb recorded in the 17th century, based on earlier French and Latin sources.
Translations
- French: Les mauvais ouvriers ont toujours de mauvais outils (literally: Bad workers always have bad tools)
- Spanish: Un mal trabajador siempre culpa a sus herramientas (literally: A bad worker always blames his tools)
- Japanese: 下手な職人は道具のせいにする (Heta na shokunin wa dōgu no sei ni suru) (literally: A poor craftsman blames his tools)
More proverbs about Human Nature
- Shared joy is a double joy; shared sorrow is half a sorrow — Happiness multiplies and burdens lighten when shared with others.
- A hungry stomach has no ears — People cannot focus on anything else when their most basic needs are unmet.
- The fish sees the bait but not the hook — People are often tempted by apparent benefits while ignoring the hidden dangers.
- What the eye doesn't see, the heart doesn't grieve over — We only suffer from what we know about; ignorance can sometimes bring a measure of peace.
- We are what we repeatedly do — Character and identity are shaped not by occasional acts but by consistent daily habits.
- Rain does not fall on one roof alone — Hardship and misfortune are universal; no single person suffers alone.
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