English Proverbs – EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS IS NOBODY’S BUSINESS

Proverb Expansion

EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS IS NOBODY’S BUSINESS

If a piece of work is entrusted to a single person, he will carry it out sincerely. But if it is given to a group of people, it will be found that the work is not completed properly. As many people are responsible for the work, nobody takes much interest in it. Even if they do it, they would not put in serious effort as the credit is to be shared among many. Besides, all of them will think that others might do the work. If all those who are responsible think so, no work will be done.

It is natural for people to be lazy and shirk off responsibilities if given chance. A joint venture offers this chance. On the other hand, one will not be able to shirk off the work, if it is entrusted to him alone. It is clear that the success or failure of the enterprise depends solely on him. At the same time, if he fails he alone must take the blame. This makes the person to put in serious effort in his work.