English Reference
Idiom idiom

it is a poor workman who blames his tools


If you can't do the job; don't blame it on others


SIMPLE

“It is a poor workman who blames his tools when the project fails.”

CONTEXTUAL

“Instead of complaining about the slow computer, remember that it is a poor workman who blames his tools for his own mistakes.”

COMPLEX

“The chef insisted the oven was broken, but his mentor reminded him that it is a poor workman who blames his tools when the meal is poorly prepared.”


From a 13th-century French proverb ('a bad workman will never find a good tool'); recorded in English from the 17th century.

Last updated June 7, 2026