Significado
When too many people lead, nothing gets done.
Contexto cultural
In traditional Greek villages, the rooster was a symbol of pride and masculinity. The proverb uses this to poke fun at men who are too proud to follow others. Greek businesses are often family-owned, leading to many 'bosses' (uncles, cousins). This proverb is a very common internal critique in these companies. The complexity of Byzantine administration is often cited as a historical root for the Greek love of titles and hierarchy, which this proverb critiques. Greek political cartoonists frequently use roosters with the faces of politicians to illustrate coalition government failures.
Use it to sound like a local
Greeks love using proverbs to summarize complex social frustrations. Using this in a meeting will immediately gain you 'cultural points'.
Don't over-explain
The beauty of a proverb is its brevity. Just say the phrase and nod; everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Significado
When too many people lead, nothing gets done.
Use it to sound like a local
Greeks love using proverbs to summarize complex social frustrations. Using this in a meeting will immediately gain you 'cultural points'.
Don't over-explain
The beauty of a proverb is its brevity. Just say the phrase and nod; everyone will know exactly what you mean.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Όπου λαλούν πολλοί ___________ αργεί να ___________.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'κοκόροι' (roosters) and 'ξημερώσει' (to dawn).
Which situation best fits this proverb?
A team of 10 people is trying to design a website, but there are 4 different managers giving different orders.
The proverb specifically addresses the delay and confusion caused by too many leaders.
Choose the best response for Maria.
Κώστας: 'Γιατί δεν έχουμε αποφασίσει ακόμα για το χρώμα του τοίχου;' Μαρία: 'Γιατί ρωτήσαμε δέκα άτομα και ο καθένας λέει τα δικά του. _________________.'
Maria is explaining that the delay is due to too many conflicting opinions.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosΌπου λαλούν πολλοί ___________ αργεί να ___________.
The standard form of the proverb uses 'κοκόροι' (roosters) and 'ξημερώσει' (to dawn).
A team of 10 people is trying to design a website, but there are 4 different managers giving different orders.
The proverb specifically addresses the delay and confusion caused by too many leaders.
Κώστας: 'Γιατί δεν έχουμε αποφασίσει ακόμα για το χρώμα του τοίχου;' Μαρία: 'Γιατί ρωτήσαμε δέκα άτομα και ο καθένας λέει τα δικά του. _________________.'
Maria is explaining that the delay is due to too many conflicting opinions.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasOnly in proverbs, poetry, or very specific contexts like describing bird calls. In daily life, we use 'μιλούν'.
Yes. Even though 'κοκόροι' are male roosters, the proverb is gender-neutral when applied to people.
It can be. It implies they are part of a 'noisy' and 'inefficient' group. Use it with colleagues about the situation, not directly to the boss.
They both mean rooster. 'Κόκορας' is more common in the city, 'πετεινός' is more common in villages and folk songs.
Frases relacionadas
Πολλοί καπεταναίοι βουλιάζουν το καράβι
synonymMany captains sink the ship.
Πολλοί μάγειροι χαλάνε το φαΐ
synonymMany cooks ruin the food.
Δυο γάιδαροι μαλώνανε σε ξένο αχυρώνα
similarTwo donkeys fighting in someone else's barn.
