let the cobbler stick to his last

let the cobbler stick to his last

One should do what one is familiar with, experienced in, or skilled at, rather than trying something different and risking failure. After his failed attempts at writing books and hosting a television show, many think the ageing DJ should retire or return to radio—let the cobbler stick to his last. You're a doctor, not an artist, Bob. You should let the cobbler stick to his last.

See also: cobbler, last, let, stick

Let the cobbler stick to his last.

Prov. Do not advise someone in matters outside your area of expertise. Whenever Ted, who is a lawyer, tried to give Bob suggestions about how to write his novel, Bob would say, "Let the cobbler stick to his last." Bill: I don't think you should put so much oregano in the spaghetti sauce. Nancy: You're a construction worker, not a chef. Let the cobbler stick to his last.

See also: cobbler, last, let, stick