a chain is only as strong as its weakest link

a chain is only as strong as its weakest link

If one part of something is weak, it jeopardizes the integrity, quality, or effectiveness of the whole. I need to make sure that everyone on our debate team is well-prepared, since a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
See also: chain, link, strong, weak
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • chain is no stronger than its weakest link
  • a chain is no stronger than its weakest link
  • link
  • rift
  • a rift in the lute
  • weak sister
  • be honor-bound to (do something)
  • feel duty bound to (do something)
  • feel honor-bound to (do something)
  • kitten
References in periodicals archive
A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, the idiom goes.
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IF A CHAIN is only as strong as its weakest link, it begs the question, which is the weakest link of our supply chain?
A raw deal: are materials suppliers the weakest link in the electronics supply chain?
However, just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a multi-joint movement can create a problem in cases of muscular fatigue.
P.E.P. up your muscle development program
Here the following principle can be applied: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Continuous production of rubber profiles - state of extrusion line technology