Meaning of It is better to be a mouse head than a lion's tail (What is it, Concept and Definition)

What is Better to be a mouse's head than a lion's tail:

The expression "Better to be a mouse's head than a lion's tail" , is a Spanish saying that it refers to the authority or importance that an individual possesses in a small group, be it labor or other.

It is used in a popular way to indicate that it is preferable to be the first to a small corporation that the last one in a larger one, of great prestige and leaders in the market of the activity that is dedicated.This is, because for the individual it is often more satisfying and pleasant to be in a job where your opinions, and actions are appreciated, analyzed and even executed to develop a project or plan within the small business or group.

In relation to the above, sometimes the individual is not valued because before him there are many others people with superiority rank who think, command and execute within the large group.And at that time, the subject To analyze and ask yourself if you prefer to be a mouse head, or on the contrary the lion's tail, which is what you want for your daily life and for your future, to be recognized and valued all your ideas, or on the contrary only Perform what his superiors indicate without the right to reply, without being able to demonstrate that there is a better plan devised by him, preventing him from giving his best within the group.

It is a saying applied to situations where a person reflects on whether It is intended to be directed and forced to perform functions imposed by people who are above it; or belong in a group where you can comment, criticize, question, or ignore the decisions of your superiors, but always applying other measures that ensure the success of the group.

Other variants of this saying are , on the other hand: "before the head of a mouse that tail of a lion", "before a head of a cat that a tail of a brown lion", "before a head of a cat that a tail of a lion", "better a head of raposas than a tail of lions.”

In English , the proverb under study, can be translated as“ it's better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond ” , which would literally translate "it is better to be a big fish in a small pond than a small fish in a big pond."

Origin of saying "Better to be a mouse head than a lion's tail"

Its origin is doubtful, since like all the sayings it is of oral and popular transmission.In this case, it is believed that the saying “it is better to be a mouse head than a lion's tail” it refers to the use of Julio Cesar before being emperor.

Julio Cesar, before being emperor, crossed the Alps with his troops to Spain.He met some Montans who discussed who exercised authority over a said the village.The general's assistants laughed as they considered the village insignificant, to which the future monarch of Rome replied: “Do not mock; I would also rather be a head in this village than an arm in Rome.”What can be translated and deduce that from there he says“ it is better to be a mouse head than a lion's tail ”.