“Never give a sword to a man who can’t ___”: Confucius NYT crossword clue

This clue is a reference to a famous proverb often attributed to Confucius. The saying suggests that one should not be entrusted with a powerful or dangerous tool unless they possess the skill to use it wisely and gracefully. The missing word in the quote reflects an activity that requires both coordination and finesse.

The answer is dance. The full proverb is “Never give a sword to a man who can’t dance,” which metaphorically advises that skill and poise should precede the acquisition of power or responsibility.