nìng​wéi​jī​shī​bù​wéi​niú​cóng

better to be a big fish in a small pond

Senses

宁为鸡尸,不为牛从/ 寧為雞屍,不為牛從 nìng​wéi​jī​shī​bù​wéi​niú​cóng better to be a big fish in a small pond

rather be the head of a chicken than the rump of an ox; it is better to be the leader of a small group than a minor follower in a large one

References

variant 宁为鸡口,无为牛后/寧為雞口,無為牛後 宁为鸡尸,不为牛从/寧為雞屍,不為牛從