Explaining "A chain is only as strong as its weakest link"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 13/10/2024, 23:13

English.me team member

What does it mean?

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link

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.