many heads are better than one; collective wisdom
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesproverb
three cobblers with their wits combined surpass Zhuge Liang the mastermind; collective wisdom is greater than individual genius
This proverb literally means that three humble leatherworkers (臭皮匠) can outwit Zhuge Liang, a legendary strategist from the Three Kingdoms period. Some scholars suggest '皮匠' may be a folk corruption of '裨将' (deputy generals). The phrase emphasizes that brainstorming and collective wisdom surpass individual genius.
We need to discuss this matter; after all, many heads are better than one.
Don't worry, if we all think of a solution together, collective wisdom will prevail.
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The teacher often says, "Three heads are better than one," so group discussion is very important.
This difficult problem has troubled me for a long time; I might as well consult friends, since many heads are better than one.