Too many chiefs and not enough indians Meaning in English
expression
Definición
This expression is used when there are too many people trying to be leaders or give orders, but not enough people willing to do the actual work.
Uso & Matices
Informal and potentially offensive due to its origins; best avoided in formal or sensitive settings. Used mainly in workplaces or group projects. Can be paraphrased as 'too many bosses, not enough workers.'
Oraciones de Ejemplo
There are too many chiefs and not enough indians on this committee.
basic
The project failed because there were too many chiefs and not enough indians.
basic
Our group has too many chiefs and not enough indians to get things done.
basic
Everyone wants to be in charge, but with too many chiefs and not enough indians, nothing actually happens.
natural
When we started the club, it was too many chiefs and not enough indians—lots of talk, but not much action.
natural
That company’s problem is too many chiefs and not enough indians; everybody’s managing and nobody’s actually working.
natural