Bad workmen always complain of their tools.

Meaning: Incompetent people blame external circumstances rather than acknowledging their own lack of skill or effort.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

More proverbs about Perseverance

• The world was never so dull but if one won't another will. — Opportunity always finds a willing participant if the first person refuses it.
• This world is nothing except it tend to the next. — Earthly pursuits lack purpose unless they cultivate spiritual growth and eternal salvatio…
• There needs a long time to know the world's pulse. — Understanding society's true nature requires patient, sustained observation rather than h…
• When things get to the worst, they'll mend. — Despair blinds us to recovery; suffering naturally exhausts itself and reverses.
• Help yourself and your friends will like you. — Self-reliance builds respect; those who solve their own problems attract genuine companio…
• If you want a thing done, do it yourself. — Delegating tasks risks poor execution, so personal effort guarantees desired results.

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