Home › Proverbs

They have need of a besom that sweep the house with a turf.

Meaning: Using inadequate tools wastes effort; poor implements cannot accomplish their intended purpose effectively.

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

More proverbs about Wisdom

  • He must needs swim that's held up by the chin. — Desperation forces you to learn survival skills you'd never develop in safety or comfort.
  • Remove the tale-bearer and contention ceaseth. — Silencing gossip's source eliminates the conflict it generates among those previously div…
  • To him that hath lost his taste, sweet is sour. — Loss of perspective inverts our values; deprivation corrupts even formerly cherished plea…
  • Nothing dries up sooner than tears. — Grief, however overwhelming, naturally fades with time as emotions settle and healing beg…
  • The tempter is the greater rogue. — Temptation's instigator bears more moral culpability than the person succumbing to their…
  • When I have thatched his house he would throw me down. — Ingratitude punishes generosity: helping someone complete their security makes them bold…

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…