He teacheth ill who teacheth all.
He teacheth ill who teacheth all.
Meaning in plain English
The saying criticises teaching everything. A useful reading asks whether instruction needs selection and sequence rather than an overwhelming amount at once.
Example
A mentor begins with the concepts needed for a first task and makes the remaining material available as the learner progresses.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Ill and all contrast quality with scope. The text does not specify why complete teaching fails, so selection and pacing are a qualified editorial application. Effective explanation may require limits suited to the learner’s present task. This should not become a reason to conceal necessary information or keep someone dependent on the teacher.
When to use it
Use it to discuss a qualified distinction between breadth and useful instruction.
Keep in mind
The reason is unstated; selective teaching must not excuse withholding essential knowledge.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1584 · Teacheth
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗