English 
español 
française 
italiano 
deutsche 
日本語 
polski 
česky 
svenska 
Türkçe 
Nederlands 
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.
Recommended posts in 
Phrases
Where there is life there is hope
The phrase "Where there is life there is hope" means ... Learn more →
Seek and ye shall find
"Seek and ye shall find" is a phrase suggesting that ... Learn more →
Curiosity killed the cat
The phrase "Curiosity killed the cat" is a proverb used ... Learn more →
Ask no questions and hear no lies
The phrase means that by refraining from asking questions, especially ... Learn more →