Em terra de cego, quem tem um olho é rei.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Signification
Even a small advantage or ability can make one powerful where others have none.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, this is often used to describe 'gurus' who sell basic courses for high prices. It reflects a skepticism towards self-proclaimed experts. The Portuguese often use the variation 'No reino dos cegos, o torto é rei'. It is frequently heard in political debates. Used to emphasize the importance of education. Even a little schooling can change a person's social standing in rural areas. Similar to other Lusophone countries, it highlights the value of technical skills in developing markets.
Use it for irony
The best way to use this is with a slight smile to show you know the 'king' isn't actually that great.
Don't be literal
Never use this to describe someone's actual eyesight. It is strictly a metaphor for knowledge.
Signification
Even a small advantage or ability can make one powerful where others have none.
Use it for irony
The best way to use this is with a slight smile to show you know the 'king' isn't actually that great.
Don't be literal
Never use this to describe someone's actual eyesight. It is strictly a metaphor for knowledge.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Em terra de ____, quem tem um ____ é rei.
The standard proverb uses 'cego' (blind) and 'olho' (eye).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: A group of tourists is lost. Only one person has a working compass.
The compass provides a 'one-eyed' advantage in a 'blind' (lost) situation.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Ninguém na empresa sabe falar espanhol, só o Paulo.' Speaker B: '________'
Speaker B is confirming that Paulo's small advantage makes him important.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesEm terra de ____, quem tem um ____ é rei.
The standard proverb uses 'cego' (blind) and 'olho' (eye).
Situation: A group of tourists is lost. Only one person has a working compass.
The compass provides a 'one-eyed' advantage in a 'blind' (lost) situation.
Speaker A: 'Ninguém na empresa sabe falar espanhol, só o Paulo.' Speaker B: '________'
Speaker B is confirming that Paulo's small advantage makes him important.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIt can be. It implies that the people around the 'king' are ignorant ('blind'). Use it carefully.
Yes, if you are referring to a woman, you can say 'quem tem um olho é rainha', though the masculine 'rei' is the traditional form.
Both are used. 'Cego' (singular) is more traditional in proverbs to represent the whole group.
Almost. 'Big fish' focuses on the size of the environment; 'One-eyed king' focuses on the lack of skill in others.
Expressions liées
Quem não tem cão, caça com gato
similarMake do with what you have.
O menos pior
synonymThe least bad option.
Rei morto, rei posto
contrastThe king is dead, long live the king.
