# it is a poor workman who blames his tools

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/it-is-a-poor-workman-who-blames-his-tools
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- It is a poor workman who blames his tools when the project fails.
- Instead of complaining about the slow computer, remember that it is a poor workman who blames his tools for his own mistakes.
- 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.

## Origin

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.