Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-12
Meaning: Verified- Meaning and lesson
Wisdom is not confined to technical craftsmanship. A person can show sound judgment even without the specialized skill needed to construct a complex object.
It distinguishes broad practical or intellectual wisdom from mastery of a particular trade, cautioning against measuring a person's judgment by one missing skill.
- When it is used
Use it when someone is dismissed as unintelligent because they cannot perform one technical task, despite showing good judgment in other matters.
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: You may be a wise man though you cannot make a watch.