When there's no wind, everyone knows how to sail.

What it means

Anyone looks skilled in easy conditions. Real ability shows when the weather turns. Do not trust a reputation earned only in calm water.

The source

"When there's no wind, everyone knows how to sail." This French proverb is recorded in Bohn, A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857), French Proverbs. Translated from the original French by Spartan Surfers.

"Quand il n'y a point de vent chacun sait naviguer."

Original French, Bohn, A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857), French Proverbs. Text read at archive.org.

Who said it

Proverbs of the world (Every age). Sayings from the Latin, Greek, Norse, Japanese, Chinese and more, each traced to an old source in its own language.

Questions

What does "When there's no wind, everyone knows how to sail." mean?

Anyone looks skilled in easy conditions. Real ability shows when the weather turns. Do not trust a reputation earned only in calm water.

Who said "When there's no wind, everyone knows how to sail."?

French proverb. Source: Bohn, A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857), French Proverbs.

What is the original French?

Quand il n'y a point de vent chacun sait naviguer. Translated from the original French by Spartan Surfers.

Is "When there's no wind, everyone knows how to sail." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"When there's no wind, everyone knows how to sail." (French proverb, Bohn, A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857), French Proverbs, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/when-theres-no-wind-everyone-knows-how-to