those who can't do, teach
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
It is easier to get a job teaching how to do something than to get a job actually doing that thing.
Register: derogatory
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
If those who can't do, teach — then what will those who can't teach, do?
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “those who can't do, teach” mean?
It is easier to get a job teaching how to do something than to get a job actually doing that thing.
Is “those who can't do, teach” formal or informal?
those who can't do, teach is generally derogatory.