Meaning of better to be a mouse's head than a lion's tail (what is it, concept and definition)

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

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

It is popularly used to indicate that it is preferable to be the first in a small corporation than the last in a larger, highly prestigious and market-leading activity. 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 company or group.

In relation to the above, sometimes the individual is not valued because before him there are many other people with superiority rank who think, command and execute within the large group. And at that moment, the subject must analyze and ask himself if he prefers to be a mouse's head, or on the contrary the lion's tail, which is what he wants for his daily life and for his future, to be recognized and valued all his ideas., or on the contrary, only carry out 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 they intend to be directed and forced to perform functions imposed by people who are above them; or belong to a group where they can express, criticize, question, or ignore the decisions of their superiors, but always applying other measures that ensure the group's success.

Other variants of this saying are, on the other hand: "before a mouse's head than a lion's tail", "before a cat's head than a brown lion's tail", "before a cat's head than a lion's tail", "it is better to foxes that tail of lions ”.

In English, the saying 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 one fish in a large pond. "

Origin of saying "It is better to be a mouse's head than a lion's tail"

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

Julius Caesar, before being emperor, crossed the Alps with his troops towards Spain. He met some mountaineers arguing about who exercised authority over a designated village. The general's aides laughed as they considered the village insignificant, to which the future monarch of Rome replied: “Don't mock; I too would rather be a head in this village than an arm in Rome. ” Which can be translated and deduce that from there the saying "it is better to be a mouse's head than a lion's tail".