idle brain is the devil's workshop

an idle brain is the devil's workshop

proverb When one has nothing to do, one is more likely to get into trouble. When I'm off from school, my grandmother is always trying to get me out of the house, while reminding me that an idle brain is the devil's workshop.
See also: brain, idle, workshop
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

idle brain is the devil's workshop

Prov. People who have nothing worthwhile to think about will usually think of something bad to do. We need to figure out something constructive for Tom to do in the afternoons after school. An idle brain is the devil's workshop.
See also: brain, idle, workshop
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • as one door closes, another (one) opens
  • as one door closes, another one opens
  • as one door closes, another opens
  • give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a mile
  • give (someone) an inch and (someone) (will) take a yard
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
References in periodicals archive
An idle brain is the devil's workshop, says an English proverb.