Meaning & use
blames his tools
Last updated
Meaning
phrasefixed phrasedisapproving
Says someone blames their equipment or situation instead of admitting their own lack of skill.
Grammar: Used as a whole clause, usually with he, she or a name as the subject: Tom blames his tools.
Patterns
- someone blames his tools
- blame your tools for something
He misses every shot and blames his tools, but the problem is his technique.
She never practices, then blames her tools when the results are poor.
Instead of blaming his tools, he should take some lessons.
Common combinations
- a bad workman blames his tools
- As the saying goes, a bad workman blames his tools.
- blame your tools for something
- Don't blame your tools for a job you rushed.
- always blaming his tools
- He's always blaming his tools after a bad game.
Synonyms and how they differ
- make excuses
- This is more general and does not mention equipment; it fits when someone gives any reason to avoid responsibility.
- pass the buck
- This means shifting blame to another person rather than to objects or circumstances.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: blames his tools or blame his tools?
blames his tools vs blame his tools
The article changes with the subject: he blames his tools, but I blame my tools and you blame your tools.
Practice
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly?
Choose one answer.
The phrase describes someone who faults their equipment instead of themselves, as in option 0. Option 1 uses 'to' where 'on' or 'for' would be needed, and options 2 and 3 are not grammatical English clauses.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “blames his tools”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.