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Too Many Cooks Spoil The Broth

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Watercolour cartoon of four chefs making a mess around one bowl, with the proverb 'too many cooks spoil the broth', an example sentence and its meaning

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:

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Look it upWiktionary: “too many cooks spoil the broth”Wiktionary

What 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

What does “too many cooks spoil the broth” mean?

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.

What is “broth” in this proverb?

Broth is a kind of soup made by simmering bones, meat, fish or vegetables in water.

Is there a similar proverb in English?

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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