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Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—F

Fault

At fault. Not on the right track; doubtful whether right or wrong. Hounds are at fault when the scent is broken because the fox has jumped upon a wall, crossed a river, cut through a flock of sheep, or doubled like a hare.

In Geology, the break or displacement of a stratum of rock is called a fault.

Fault

(French, faute, Latin, fallo, to fail.)

For fault of a better
(Shakespeare: Merry Wives, i. 4). Having no better.

“I am the youngest of that name, for fault of a worse.”

Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet, ii. 4.

In fault. To blame.

“Is Antony or we in fault for this?”

Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra, iii. 13.

To a fault:
In excess; as, kind to a fault. Excess of every good is more or less evil. To find fault. To blame; to express disapprobation.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Faults
Fatua Mulier
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