blind leading the blind: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘blind leading the blind’ mean?
The idiom "blind leading the blind" refers to a situation where someone lacking knowledge or expertise is attempting to guide or instruct others who are similarly lacking in knowledge or expertise. This expression is often used to highlight the incompetence or futility of such a situation.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "turn a blind eye" means to deliberately ignore or pretend not to notice something, especially something that is wrong or illegal.
The idiom "dumb luck" refers to a situation where someone achieves success or good fortune purely by chance or luck, without any skill or effort on their part.
The idiom "dry behind the ears" means someone is still young or inexperienced.
The idiom "doomed if you do, doomed if you don't" refers to a lose-lose situation, where any choice or action will lead to negative consequences or a bad outcome.
The idiom "do ill" means to cause harm or injury, to act in a harmful or negative way.
The idiom "dog that caught the car" refers to someone who has achieved a goal but is uncertain about what to do next or ill-prepared to handle the situation. It emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed or unprepared for the consequences of one's actions.
The idiom "doctors make the worst patients" means that people who are experts in a certain field often neglect their own needs or fail to follow their own advice when it comes to their area of expertise.
The idiom "deer in the headlights" refers to the state of being frozen or paralyzed with fear or surprise, likened to a deer caught in the glare of car headlights. It implies a sense of being unable to react or think clearly in a stressful or overwhelming situation.
The idiom "deep end" means to be in a situation where one has no prior knowledge or experience, often leading to a state of confusion or difficulty.
Wisdom in Darkness
The idiom "blind leading the blind" is a commonly used expression in English. It can be traced back to biblical origins and its meaning has evolved over time. The idiom refers to a situation where someone lacking knowledge or understanding tries to guide or teach others who are similarly uninformed. In this scenario, no one involved has the necessary skills or expertise to effectively lead or instruct.
The phrase comes from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically Matthew 15:14 and Luke 6:39, where Jesus criticizes the religious leaders of his time. He compares them to blind guides leading others who are also blind. The idiom carries a connotation of not only lack of knowledge, but also deception or misguided intentions.
Over time, the idiom has become a widely recognized expression in everyday English. It is used to describe situations where incompetence, ignorance, or lack of awareness leads to ineffective leadership, advice, or decision-making. It emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance or support from those with expertise and experience.
The idiom's figurative meaning is applicable in various contexts, including politics, education, and business. In politics, it can critique uninformed leaders who struggle with complex issues, resulting in poor decision-making. In education, it highlights the limitations of teachers who lack the knowledge to guide their students effectively.
Add a paragraph explaining the idiom "blind with science".
In addition, the idiom applies to business or professional settings. Placing individuals without expertise or experience in positions of leadership can lead to suboptimal outcomes, inefficiency, or even harm to the organization or team involved.
Overall, the idiom "blind leading the blind" represents incompetence, ignorance, and misguided guidance. It reminds us of the importance of seeking advice or following leaders who possess the necessary knowledge and understanding. While its origins lie in biblical scripture, the idiom continues to be relevant in contemporary English, resonating with individuals across various domains and contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "blind leading the blind" can be used in a sentence:
- She tried to give directions but she didn't really know the way, it was like the blind leading the blind.
- The teacher was inexperienced and confused, it was a case of the blind leading the blind in that classroom.
- The company was in financial trouble and their CEO had no knowledge of managing finances, it was the blind leading the blind in terms of business strategy.
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