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A chain is only as strong as its weakest link

Meaning: A group's effectiveness is limited by its weakest member.

Origin: English proverb from Thomas Reid's writings in 1786.

Translations

  • French: Une chaîne n'est jamais plus solide que son maillon le plus faible (literally: A chain is never stronger than its weakest link)
  • Spanish: Una cadena es tan fuerte como su eslabón más débil (literally: A chain is as strong as its weakest link)
  • Japanese: 鎖は最も弱い環の強さ (Kusari wa mottomo yowai wa no tsuyosa) (literally: A chain is the strength of its weakest link)

More proverbs about Communication

  • Silence speaks volumes — What is not said can be more meaningful than what is.
  • There's no such thing as bad publicity — Any attention, even negative, can be beneficial.
  • Many hands make light work — Tasks are easier when shared among many people.
  • What you see is what you get — There's nothing hidden or disguised.
  • The customer is always right — In business, the customer's satisfaction takes priority.
  • A gentle word opens an iron gate — Kindness and diplomacy can overcome even the most resistant obstacles.

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