Idioms · 4 entries

Aphorism

What does "Aphorism" mean?

A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.

A bad workman always blames his tools

The expression is found in British collections of proverbs from the 16th century.

A fool and his money are soon parted

The United Kingdom - 16th century.

Blood is thicker than water

Britain. Probably coined by Sir Walter Scott, 1815.

It never rains but it pours

Britain, 18th century.

Entry 1

A bad workman always blames his tools

A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.

Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.

  • It was really Andy’s fault that the wall he built fell down but he tried to claim that the cement mixer was faulty.

Entry 2

A fool and his money are soon parted

A foolish person is very likely to lose his money.

Worldwide.

  • He’s off to the casino again - ’a fool and his money...’ I say.

Entry 3

Blood is thicker than water

Family loyalties are stronger than those to other people.

Worldwide.

  • It was just me and his son in the job interview. I had no chance, blood is thicker than water you know.

Entry 4

It never rains but it pours

When troubles come they often come together.

Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.

  • The boiler broke down, the weather turned freezing and Jack's got the flu. It never rains but it pours!