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A chain is only as strong as its weakest link
Meaning
The proverb has a literal meaning, although the 'weakest link' referred to is figurative and usually applies to a person or technical feature rather than the link of an actual chain.
Origin
We are most likely these days to come across the phrase the weakest link' in reference to the popular tv quiz show of that name. This originated in the UK, hosted there by Anne Robinson, and was later syndicated for use in many other countries. Taking into account the abysmal lack of general knowledge by many of the show's contestants, it ought not be surprising that the source of the 'weakest link' term isn't universally known.
The notion that 'a chain is only as strong as its weakest link' was in fact well-established in the language by the early 19th century and was recorded by William Windham in 1812, in his Speeches in Parliament:
"The strength of a chain, according to an old observation, was the strength of the weakest link."
Windham's description of the term as 'old' in 1812 suggests that it was known in the 18th century.
See also: the List of Proverbs.