Too many cooks spoil the broth
Meaning: Too many people involved can ruin a project.
Origin: In 1575 the historian John Hooker quoted "the more cooks, the worse potage" and already called it a proverb. A soup seasoned by several cooks at once, each adding their own touch, ends up ruined; it describes any project spoiled by too many people interfering.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Trop de cuisiniers gâtent la sauce (literally: Too many cooks spoil the sauce)
- Spanish: Muchas manos en un plato hacen mucho garabato (literally: Many hands on a plate make a mess)
- Japanese: 船頭多くして船山に登る (Sendō ōku shite fune yama ni noboru) (literally: With too many captains, the ship climbs the mountain)
- German: Viele Köche verderben den Brei (literally: Many cooks spoil the porridge)
More proverbs about Human Nature
- Curiosity killed the cat — Being too inquisitive can lead to trouble.
- The apple doesn't fall far from the tree — Children often resemble their parents.
- Laughter is the best medicine — Humor and joy can help overcome difficulties.
- A watched pot never boils — Time seems to pass slowly when you are waiting.
- Beggars can't be choosers — When you need help, you accept what's offered.
- It takes a village to raise a child — Community support is essential for child development.
From our idioms
- 猫の手も借りたい (Neko no te mo karitai) — I'm so busy I'll take help from anyone.
- 猿も木から落ちる (Saru mo ki kara ochiru) — Even experts make mistakes.
- 花より団子 (Hana yori dango) — Substance over style; practicality over beauty.