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Processed with VS1Learn a proverb about shared credit and expressions for responsibility and family life.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptPublished around Father’s Day in 2020, this episode uses family-related expressions to discuss credit and responsibility. Its central proverb is “success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan”: many people may claim a successful result, while fewer accept responsibility when something goes wrong. The lesson keeps the holiday reference historical and focuses on language that can be used year-round.
Cultural note: Families and Father’s Day traditions vary, and the holiday can be difficult or irrelevant for some people. The proverb is a general observation, not a claim about every family or every success. Give credit fairly and discuss responsibility without blaming people for factors outside their control.
Keep exploringPeople may be quick to claim a win and slower to own a setback. This proverb gives you language for that pattern.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about who contributed to a positive result.
Meaning
A proverb suggesting that people often claim credit for success but avoid responsibility for failure.
Tone & use
Use it to comment on a pattern of credit-taking or blame avoidance; it is a proverb, not a literal statement about parenthood.
Example
“After the project succeeded, everyone highlighted their role; during the delay, no one spoke up—the old proverb came to mind.”
Meaning
Accept recognition or praise for something.
Tone & use
Can be positive when deserved or critical when someone claims others’ work.
Example
“She named the whole team instead of taking the credit for the report herself.”
Describe who takes responsibility when plans fail.
Meaning
Admit that you are responsible for a mistake or problem.
Tone & use
Informal. It can signal accountability, especially when followed by a clear next step.
Example
“He owned up to the scheduling error and sent everyone the corrected time.”
Recognize figurative language linked to family roles.
Meaning
A saying that a child resembles their father in behavior or character.
Tone & use
Can be affectionate or critical, but may reinforce assumptions about family roles. Use it only when the comparison is welcome and accurate.
Example
“They both enjoy repairing old radios, so his aunt joked, “Like father, like son.””
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
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