A bad work man blames his tools.
A bad work man blames his tools.
Meaning in plain English
The saying pictures an unsuccessful worker blaming their tools. It questions an explanation that shifts responsibility away from skill or conduct.
Example
A team checks the equipment and the method after a poor result instead of assuming either explains everything.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The retained phrase bad work man supplies a label rather than evidence. A useful application can examine both method and equipment before assigning responsibility. The saying does not prove tools are always adequate or make a complaint about unsuitable equipment dishonest.
When to use it
Use it to assess responsibility using evidence about tools and conduct.
Keep in mind
Tools can genuinely be unsuitable, and a poor result does not settle the cause.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- Contributor-provided proverb reference
Supplied reference A; unit 207; PDF page 34
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
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