Ryba psuje się od głowy.
“The fish rots from the head.”
Corruption or failure in an organization begins with its leadership.
— Traditional Poland Wisdom, Poland
Source: Traditional Polish proverb, public-domain oral tradition
More Proverbs from Poland
A Pole is wise after the damage is done.
People often only understand what they should have done after they have already suffered the consequences of not doing it.
Traditional Poland Wisdom
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Without work there are no cakes.
Nothing worthwhile or rewarding is achieved without effort.
Traditional Poland Wisdom
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Still water breaks the banks.
Quiet, unassuming people or forces can be surprisingly strong and effective.
Traditional Poland Wisdom
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A guest in the house, God in the house.
A guest should be welcomed and treated with the highest honour and hospitality.
Traditional Poland Wisdom
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Do not praise the day before sunset.
Do not celebrate a success before it is fully and finally achieved.
Traditional Poland Wisdom
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He who digs pits under others falls into them himself.
Those who scheme to harm others often end up harming themselves.
Traditional Poland Wisdom
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