Better be the head of an ass than the tail of a horse.

Meaning: Leading a humble domain grants more authority and respect than serving in an exalted position.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

Translations

French: Mieux vaut être tête de chien que queue de lion (literally: Better be the head of a dog than the tail of a lion)

When the head aches, all the body is the worse. — A leader's weakness or poor decisions inevitably harm everyone under their authority.
God healeth, and the physician hath the thanks. — Skilled professionals receive credit for outcomes they facilitate, even when forces beyon…
Where the hedge is lowest, men commonly leap over. — Temptation proves strongest where safeguards are weakest, inviting transgression.
A low hedge is easily leapt over. — Weak boundaries invite transgression; those who set minimal standards find them readily i…
Hedges have eyes, and walls have ears. — Privacy is an illusion; assume others observe and listen to your words and actions everyw…
One pair of heels is often worth two pair of hands. — Women's domestic labor, though undervalued, accomplishes more than additional male worker…

Loading the full interactive collection…