Proverb – Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Meaning – If too many people try to do the same thing at the same time then the result is likely to be ruined. If too many people participate in a task, the task will not be done very well. It is often used to caution against having too many people involved in a project or task, as it can lead to confusion and disagreement.
If there are too many chefs in a kitchen they will likely get in each other’s way and it will be chaotic. The food being prepared will more than likely be ruined.
Broth is a kind of soup made of water in which bones, meat, fish, or vegetables have been simmered.
A similar saying is “Everyone’s business is no one’s business”, which makes a related point: when a task is left to too many people, it may not get done properly at all.
More ‘Food’ Expressions:
- Fish and chips (British culture)
- Foodie (slang)
- In a pickle (idiom)
- Scrumptious (slang)
- Whet your appetite (idiom)
- Yummy (slang)
Learn More
Look it upWiktionary: “too many cooks spoil the broth”WiktionaryWhat is a proverb?
A proverb is short, useful and well known expression. A proverb will state a general or obvious truth or a useful piece of advice. A proverb might teach you how to have a good life. A proverb may teach you to be healthy or kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
It means that if too many people try to do the same task at the same time, the result is likely to be ruined — too many people involved can lead to confusion and disagreement.
Broth is a kind of soup made by simmering bones, meat, fish or vegetables in water.
Yes — “everyone’s business is no one’s business” makes a related point: when a task is left to too many people, it may not get done properly at all.
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