Justifications & Excuses: English Vocabulary List

used to imply that in certain situations, such as relationships or conflicts, people may be willing to take any action to achieve their goals, even if it is not morally or ethically right

"All fair in love."

"He spread rumors about his competitor, believing that all is fair in love and war."

used to emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and not blaming external factors for one's lack of competence or effort

"A person who does poor work always blames the equipment — a bad workman blames his tools."

"Instead of practicing more, he complained about his old guitar — a bad workman blames his tools."

used to suggest that the desired outcome or goal of a particular action is more important than how it was achieved, even if that involves unethical or immoral methods

"The outcome justifies the method used — the end justifies the means."

"The controversial approach was defended on the grounds that the end justifies the means."

used to imply that being unaware of a law does not excuse someone from being punished for breaking it

"Not knowing the law is no defence — ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it."

"He claimed he did not know the regulation applied — ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking it."

used to suggest that if someone finds something that is not theirs, they are entitled to keep it, and that the original owner has no claim to it

"I found this pen on the floor — finders keepers!"

"He kept the wallet he found, muttering finders keepers, much to his colleague's disapproval."

used to imply that in times of extreme hardship or difficulty, it may be necessary to take unconventional or extreme actions in order to solve a problem or overcome an obstacle

"Extreme situations require extreme responses — desperate times call for desperate measures."

"With no other option left, she took a bold and risky decision — desperate times call for desperate measures."

used to imply that making excuses for one's failures is self-defeating and ultimately leads to a lack of progress and success

"Excuses are the foundation of failure — excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."

"Every unmet target came with an explanation — excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure."

used to imply that an excuse is a form of dishonesty that is even more harmful than a lie because it is a deceptive attempt to justify or explain one's actions while avoiding accountability

"An excuse is more dishonest than a lie — an excuse is worse than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded."

"She saw through the carefully constructed justification — an excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie, for an excuse is a lie guarded."

used to imply that even a weak excuse is better than not offering any explanation or justification

"Any excuse is better than nothing — a bad excuse is better than none."

"He had no real reason and offered a poor one — a bad excuse is better than none."

used to imply that when someone tries to explain or justify their actions or behavior, it can actually make them appear guilty or at fault, so taking responsibility is often better

"Making excuses reveals guilt — he who excuses himself accuses himself."

"His elaborate explanation only made things look worse — he who excuses himself accuses himself."

used as an excuse for indulging in an additional beverage, etc.

"Birds need two wings."

"A bird never flew on one wing, so a little extra drink won't hurt."