What does the phrase "those who can, do, those who can't, teach" mean?

Question

i dont understand it at all. im not even sure if i put the commas in the right places

Answer 1

I'd like to teach you what it means, but, unfortunatly for you, I can and do.

Answer 2

This phrase was created by some idiot who hated his or her teachers and had no idea what the teaching profession requires. It basically states that teachers are only in their profession because they couldn't hack it in the profession of the subject in which they teach. For example, a chemistry teacher would be a chemist if he or she actually knew what she was doing. Since they can't make it as a chemist, they teach. This is just an example and it's completely absurd.

Anyone who has taught a subject such as chemistry, biology, math, English, etc. knows that in order to be a good teacher you have to know the subject inside and out. Sure, there may be some rotten teachers out there don't know their stuff, but it's unfair to slap teachers with this inane phrase. Good question by the way!

Answer 3

Most people said that the quote was an insult, and even though in many cases it may be used that way, its not always true. There's three different meanings that it can be used for :

1) as an insult as many people before answered as making fun of teachers
2) by teaching someone else, for example, biology, you need to be able to know the material 100% to teach successfully to your student. In a way, its saying by teaching another person, you will be able to "do" and not just groan about not being able to do anything. So in a way, another insult, but given as advice
3) People who used to be professionals in sports and retired b/c of old age, the become coaches or teachers to another athlete b/c they aren't able to "do" their sport any longer b/c of their lack of body shape. It's important to pass down tips and different techniques to others to make the next generation as strong as you were. thats why, by becoming a teacher when you aren't able to do the "something" any longer, you're helping the next generation to succeed as you did. So the students will be able to do their thing with a teacher that has the skill and knowledge on how to do it.

Answer 4

it basically means that if you actually know how to do something, like running a business for example, you'd be running a business and making loads of money. If you don't know how to do something however, then you couldn't actually be doing it well, so you just teach it to someone else instead to make a living.

The phrase lampoons teaching and isn't really meant as advice.

Also, i said that phrase to my Sex ed teacher and asked him what that said about him in context of that phrase.

Answer 5

You left off the third part of the phrase.

"Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach. Those who can't do either, work for government."

Answer 6

It's an insult. Means those who teach (become teachers) do so because they can't DO anything.

Answer 7

Just to be nice, I'm going to say that you're in the first half of the saying. Keep asking questions!

Answer 8

It's a slam on teachers. It means they can't actually do real work. So they tell others how to do it.

Answer 9

The upshot is that coaches are failed athletes. If they could do whatever they were coaching or teaching, they'd be doing it.

Answer 10

i think it means ,people who are handy nd can use their skills eg bricklayer,motor mechanic,people who are not good with their hands can teach the subjects