Meaning & Explanation
The idiom “A bad workman quarrels with his tools” means that an unskilled person often blames external factors like tools, situations, or others for their failures instead of accepting their own shortcomings.
Hindi Equivalent:
“नाच न जाने, आँगन टेढ़ा” (Naach na jaane, aangan tedha)
Literal Meaning: “One who doesn’t know how to dance blames the courtyard for being uneven.”
Detailed Explanation
This idiom is a reflection on human nature. When someone lacks the required ability or preparation and fails at a task, they often shift the blame to things outside their control rather than acknowledging their own fault. Just like a poor dancer who blames the floor, or a bad workman who finds fault in his tools, people try to protect their ego by blaming others. In reality, improvement comes from self-reflection, not excuses.
Examples in Real Life
1. Workplace Example
English: “Raj missed the project deadline and said the software was too slow, but his teammate completed the same task on time using the same system.”
Hindi: “राज ने प्रोजेक्ट की डेडलाइन मिस कर दी और सॉफ्टवेयर को दोष दिया, जबकि उसके साथी ने उसी सिस्टम पर समय पर काम पूरा कर लिया।”
2. Academic Performance
English: “Nisha didn’t study well and blamed the tough questions in the exam for her low score.”
Hindi: “निशा ने पढ़ाई ठीक से नहीं की और परीक्षा में कम नंबर आने का दोष कठिन सवालों पर डाल दिया।”
3. Sports and Fitness
English: “Arjun couldn’t improve his fitness and blamed the gym equipment, while his friend achieved great results using the same machines.”
Hindi: “अर्जुन अपनी फिटनेस नहीं सुधार पाया और जिम के उपकरणों को दोष देने लगा, जबकि उसके दोस्त ने उन्हीं मशीनों से बेहतरीन नतीजे हासिल किए।”
Usage Tips
- Use this idiom to point out when someone is making excuses instead of owning up to their faults.
- Ideal for motivational talks, classroom discussions, or professional feedback.
- Often used in a sarcastic or wise tone to encourage self-improvement.
Similar Proverbs & Synonyms
| English Proverb | Hindi Equivalent |
|---|---|
| “A poor workman blames his tools.” | “नाकारा मिस्त्री औज़ार को कोसता है।” |
| “Don’t blame the mirror if your face is crooked.” | “अपनी कमी दर्पण पर मत डालो।” |
| “The fault lies in oneself, not in the stars.” | “ग्रह-नक्षत्र नहीं, खुद की कमी देखो।” |
Key Takeaway
Blaming tools, people, or situations is easy, but growth comes only when we take responsibility. The real strength lies in self-assessment and the will to improve. Before pointing fingers outward, it’s better to ask ourselves:
- “What could I have done better?”
- “How can I improve my skills next time?”
Success is built not just on conditions but on accountability, effort, and mindset.
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