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Explaining “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link”
Anwar Kareem 13/10/2024, 23:13English.me team member
What does it mean?
The phrase means that the effectiveness or strength of a group is determined by its weakest or most vulnerable part.
Tone
Analytical
Origin
The phrase is believed to have originated in the 18th century or earlier, with the earliest recorded usage traced to Thomas Reid's "Essays on the Intellectual Powers of Man" in 1786.
Examples of usage
- In our project team, everyone must do their part well because a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
- The cybersecurity of the network depends on everyone being vigilant; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
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