fish rots from the head down; subordinates follow the bad example of superiors
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesproverb
when the upper beam is not straight, the lower beam will be crooked; subordinates follow the bad example set by their superiors
Used to describe situations where corruption, misconduct, or bad behavior by people in authority (parents, bosses, leaders) influences those under them. Often serves as a warning that leaders must set a good example. Can be used for family, corporate, or political contexts.
The leaders are corrupt and take bribes, so their subordinates follow suit—truly, when the upper beam is crooked, the lower one follows.
If parents frequently lie, their children will learn to do the same—that is the principle of the crooked upper beam.
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The senior management of this company is chaotic, so the middle managers are also careless—when the top is not straight, the bottom follows.
If you want your subordinates to behave properly, leaders must first set an example; otherwise, the crooked beam will cause the lower one to warp.