Tool
A bad workman always blames his tools
Meaning
A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
Examples
It was really Andy’s fault that the wall he built fell down but he tried to claim that the cement mixer was faulty.
Where did it originate?
The expression is found in British collections of proverbs from the 16th century.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.
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A sledgehammer to crack a nut
Meaning
The use of excessive resources to overcome a small problem.
Examples
Using the air ambulance to get granny to hospital was a sledgehammer to crack a nut. She could walk perfectly well and we only live 200 yards away.
Where did it originate?
Where is it used?
Widely used.
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How the idiom originated
Caught between two stools
Meaning
Finding it difficult to choose between two alternatives.
Examples
I’d like to go to the game and stay in for the birthday party. I’m between two stools.
Where did it originate?
14th century Britain.
Where is it used?
Worldwide, but less commonly so that in the past.
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