What does “A blind leader of the blind.” mean?
"A blind leader of the blind" means that a person who is ignorant or incompetent cannot lead others effectively. This proverb suggests that one should seek guidance from someone who is knowledgeable and experienced.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Don't follow him, he's just a blind leader of the blind. Find someone who actually knows what they're doing.
Example
It's like the blind leading the blind with her as the leader. A blind leader of the blind.
Example
He may think he's a great leader, but in reality, he's just a blind leader of the blind. We need someone who can actually guide us
Is “A blind leader of the blind.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A blind leader of the blind.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A blind leader of the blind.” effectively in context?
You can use "A blind leader of the blind" to caution against following someone who lacks knowledge or competence. It highlights the idea that a person who is ignorant or incompetent cannot effectively lead others. For example, if a friend is considering taking advice from someone who has repeatedly made poor financial decisions, you might say, 'Don't follow him, he's just a blind leader of the blind. Find someone who actually knows what they're doing.'
- 1Education
The teacher was so ill-prepared that it felt like a blind leader of the blind in the classroom.
- 2Work
The manager had no experience in the industry and was like a blind leader of the blind trying to guide the team.
- 3Politics
The politician made promises without any concrete plans, making him a blind leader of the blind for his supporters.
Similar phrases to “A blind leader of the blind.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A blind leader of the blind.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A blind leader of the blind" can be traced back to ancient times. It is derived from a biblical passage in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus warns against following the teachings of the Pharisees, who were considered hypocritical and spiritually blind. The phrase has since become a proverb, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance from someone who is knowledgeable and experienced.
Is “A blind leader of the blind.” common in everyday conversation?
While "A blind leader of the blind" may not be as commonly used as some other proverbs, it is still recognized and understood by English speakers. It is often used in situations where someone is warning against following someone who lacks knowledge or competence.
What tone does “A blind leader of the blind.” have?
"A blind leader of the blind" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It suggests that blindly following someone who is ignorant or incompetent can lead to negative consequences.
Can “A blind leader of the blind.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The phrase "A blind leader of the blind" is relatively formal and may not be used in casual conversations. It is more commonly used in written or formal contexts, such as essays, speeches, or discussions about leadership and decision-making.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't follow him, he's just a blind leader of the blind.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He's a blind leader of the blind!' to imply someone's incompetence.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- ignorant leader
- incompetent guide
- unqualified mentor
- misguided leader
- uninformed authority
Antonyms
- knowledgeable leader
- competent guide
- experienced mentor
- informed authority
- wise leader
