Big fish eat little fish. 
Meaning and origin
This proverb means that those who are more powerful or influential will take advantage of those who are weaker or less powerful.
The origin of this proverb can be traced back to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, who wrote about the concept of the "law of nature" in his work "Politics." This idea was later popularized in English literature by the English playwright and poet William Shakespeare in his play "Pericles, Prince of Tyre." The proverb has since become a common saying all over the world to describe the natural order of hierarchy and power dynamics.
Proverbs on a similar topic
- The dogs bark but the caravan goes on.
- Set a beggar on horseback and he'll ride to the devil.
- The darkest place is under the candlestick.
- If you cannot bite never show your teeth.
- Lean liberty is better than fat slavery.
- A servant is known by his master's absence.
- Better die with honour than live with shame.
- Might goes before right.
- Whether the pitcher strikes the stone or the stone strikes the pitcher, it is bad for the pitcher.
- There is no arguing with a large fist.
Related proverbs
Similar proverbs in the same language
English
-
The great fish eat up the small.
Similar proverbs in another language
Latin
-
Piscem vorat maior minorem.
The older fish devours the younger one.
French
-
Le grand poisson mange le petit.
The big fish eats the little fish.
German
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Große Fische fressen die kleinen.
Big fish eat the little ones.
Czech
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Velké ryby malé požírají.
Big fish eat the little ones.