N
The Global Insight

What does the blind lead the blind mean

Author

Andrew Campbell

Updated on March 27, 2026

Definition of the blind leading the blind —used informally to describe a situation in which someone who is not sure about how to do something is helping another person who also is not sure about how to do it I’ll try to help, but it’s the blind leading the blind because I’ve never done this before either.

What is the meaning of the blind lead the blind?

Definition of the blind leading the blind —used informally to describe a situation in which someone who is not sure about how to do something is helping another person who also is not sure about how to do it I’ll try to help, but it’s the blind leading the blind because I’ve never done this before either.

Where does the saying the blind leading the blind?

The term the blind leading the blind is the first line of a proverb that has fallen out of use: when the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into a ditch. The proverb was derived from a quote found in Matthew 15:14 of the New Testament of the Bible: “Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind.

Is the blind leading the blind offensive?

I’m looking for an alternative to the blind leading the blind that won’t be offensive to anyone. Proverb – Someone who is not capable of dealing with a situation is guiding someone else who is not capable of dealing with it.

What is the meaning of the parable of the blind man?

The name given to this particular composition – which is also sometimes called The Fall of the Blind – is a reference to Christ’s parable involving the Pharisees (Matthew 15:14): “And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” The Biblical parable illustrated a spiritual condition — inner blindness …

When the blind is leading the blind they will fall into the same ditch?

phrase. Those people without knowledge or experience should not try to guide or advise others in a similar position.

What does Matthew 15 14 mean?

Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. The New International Version translates the passage as: Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

What does Bird hand mean?

Definition of a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush —used to say that it is better to hold onto something one has than to risk losing it by trying to get something better.

What does the idiom blue moon mean?

Definition of blue moon 1 : a very long period of time —usually used in the phrase once in a blue moon such people happen along only once in a blue moon — Saturday Rev. 2 : a second full moon in a calendar month.

What does get the monkey off your back?

The expression is mostly used in informal contexts to mean to get rid of a major problem or source of irritation. By winning the World Cup in Bangladesh, Mahela Jayewardene and Kumara Sangakkara finally got the monkey off their back. After having lost in four World Cup finals, it must have felt good to finally win one.

Article first time published on

What is the meaning of idiom break a leg?

This is an expression used mostly in the world of theatre to mean ‘good luck‘. Actors and musicians are never wished ‘good luck’; before they walk on to the stage, they are usually told ‘break a leg’. … So when you wished an actor ‘good luck’, the spirits ensured that bad luck fell on him.

What is the name of the blind man in John 9?

Although not named in the gospel, church tradition has ascribed the name Celidonius to the man who was healed. The account is recorded in the ninth chapter of John’s gospel.

What does the Bible say about blind guides?

Matthew 15:13-14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

What does strain at a gnat and swallow a camel mean?

To resist, criticize, or bemoan something minor or inconsequential while ignoring or overlooking something much more serious or important. The expression originated in the Bible, in Matthew 23:24.

What does strain out a gnat mean?

[literary] to concern yourself with something unimportant, perhaps neglecting something that really is important.

What does hitting the sack mean?

slang. to go to bed; go to sleep. He never hits the sack before midnight.

What does the saying When Pigs Fly mean?

Definition of when pigs fly —used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.

What is the meaning of idiom a red letter day?

red-letter day. A special occasion, as in When Jack comes home from his tour of duty, that’ll be a red-letter day. This term alludes to the practice of marking feast days and other holy days in red on church calendars, dating from the 1400s. [ c. 1700]

What does the phrase high and dry mean?

Definition of high and dry 1 : being out of reach of the current or tide or out of the water. 2 : being in a helpless or abandoned position. Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More About high and dry.

What is 2 in a bush?

The phrase ‘A Bird in the Hand is Worth Two in the Bush’ is used for saying that it’s better to hold onto something one has already than to risk losing it by trying to attain something better.

What does one in the hand is worth two in the bush?

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush is a proverb that means the things we currently have are worth a lot more than the things we have a chance of getting. … The proverb says that the things you already own are far more valuable to you than things you hope to get because you may never actually get them.

What is the meaning of chip on your shoulder?

informal. : to have an angry or unpleasant attitude or way of behaving caused by a belief that one has been treated unfairly in the past He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he didn’t get the promotion he was expecting.

What is the meaning of under dog?

Definition of underdog 1 : a loser or predicted loser in a struggle or contest. 2 : a victim of injustice or persecution.

What does monkey on your shoulder mean?

What does it mean to have a monkey on your shoulder? When you keep the monkey on your shoulders, you are robbing yourself.

What does Foot in Mouth mean?

Say something foolish, embarrassing, or tactless. For example, Jane put her foot in her mouth when she called him by her first husband’s name. This notion is sometimes put as having foot-in-mouth disease, as in He has a bad case of foot-in-mouth disease, always making some tactless remark.

What is the meaning of to get cold feet?

Definition of cold feet : apprehension or doubt strong enough to prevent a planned course of action.

What is the meaning of to bring home the bacon?

Definition of bring home the bacon : to earn the money that is needed to live He worked hard all week to bring home the bacon for his family.

What was the blind man's name in the Bible?

Jesus was leaving Jericho, followed by a large crowd, on his way to Jerusalem when he came across a blind beggar called Bartimaeus. The crowd was probably on their way to Jerusalem for Passover . This event took place a week before Jesus’ death, so it is the last miracle that Mark records in his gospel.

What does saliva represent in the Bible?

Saliva As A Means Of Healing By Jesus Jesus made use of spittle or saliva in some of the healing cases reported of him (John 9:6; Mark 7:33;8:23). In one of such cases, he even made a paste of saliva and clay, which he applied to the eyes of a blind man (John9:6).

What good is it if you only love those who love you?

If ye love them who love you, what reward have ye? to wit, in heaven. None truly, for of such it is said, Ye have received your reward. But these things we ought to do, and not leave the other undone.

Are gnats kosher?

Gnats, those tiny pesky insects flying around my counters, were not kosher, according to the law given to the Israelites in Leviticus.