An eel escapes from a good fisherman.
An eel escapes from a good fisherman.
Meaning in plain English
Even a capable person can miss a result they were trying to achieve. The escaping eel pictures an outcome that skill can improve without fully controlling.
Example
An experienced organiser prepares carefully, but a sudden venue closure still prevents an event from going ahead.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The fisherman is described as good, yet the eel gets away. That contrast separates competence from a perfect success rate. An unfavourable result can invite a review of the method without automatically proving that the person lacks ability. The image also leaves room for circumstances that cannot be controlled. It is not a reason to dismiss avoidable mistakes or stop learning; it asks for a fair assessment of the particular attempt.
When to use it
Use it when assessing a setback without turning one result into a complete judgement of ability.
Keep in mind
A missed result can still require explanation, learning or repair.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857)
Printed page 1; French section, paragraph 11; source wording: A bon pêcheur échappe anguille.
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗