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
Meaning A proverb that suggests a poor workman tends to look for an excuse for his poor work.
Usage Worldwide, but less commonly than 50 years ago.
Example
- 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
Meaning A foolish person is very likely to lose his money.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- He’s off to the casino again - ’a fool and his money...’ I say.
Entry 3
Blood is thicker than water
Meaning Family loyalties are stronger than those to other people.
Usage Worldwide.
Example
- 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
Meaning When troubles come they often come together.
Usage Worldwide, but somewhat old-fashioned.
Example
- The boiler broke down, the weather turned freezing and Jack's got the flu. It never rains but it pours!