Bad workmen always complain of their tools.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

A person may blame equipment to avoid examining their own method or skill. Before accepting that explanation, check both the tools and how the task was performed.

What the words are saying

The proverb criticises an excuse: attributing poor work to the tools without considering the worker’s contribution. It invites responsibility for preparation, technique and mistakes. Always is a pointed exaggeration, not proof that every complaint about equipment is false. A damaged, unsuitable or unavailable tool can genuinely prevent a good result, and ignoring that would be unfair. The useful distinction is between a supported account of a limitation and blame used to end the inquiry. A sound review checks what happened and what would improve the next attempt rather than assigning fault through the saying alone.

Everyday example

After a shelf is fitted unevenly, a volunteer checks the measurements and method as well as the level before claiming that the equipment caused the result.

When to use it

Use it when blame of equipment is preventing a fair examination of preparation or technique.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.