proverb · Words worth keeping
Every one puts his fault on the times.
Every one puts his fault on the times.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
People may blame the age or circumstances around them to avoid examining their own mistakes. Consider what was within your control as well as external influences.
What the words are saying
The times means the surrounding conditions or habits of an age. The proverb criticises an excuse that turns every personal fault into a result of the wider situation. Circumstances can influence behaviour, but that influence does not always explain a particular choice. The saying can prompt a fair review of what someone knew, what options were available and how they acted. Every one is a broad exaggeration rather than a description of all people. The useful lesson is shared examination of personal and external causes, not dismissing real social pressures or treating every failure as entirely individual.
Everyday example
A team member blames a rushed workplace culture for a missed check, then recognises that the agreed checklist was available and decides to use it next time.
When to use it
Use it when a general complaint about circumstances is preventing examination of a specific choice.
What it does not mean
External pressures can be real and decisive; responsibility should reflect actual options and control.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 553 · Fault
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English
