expression
the master's whims must be obeyed
Proverb meaning that even if the head of the household has eccentric tastes, the family must go along with them. Often used to comment on the power dynamics within a family.
See also: 赤烏帽子
父が突然、庭に大きな池を作ると言い出した。亭主の好きな赤烏帽子とはこのことだ。
My father suddenly announced he would build a big pond in the garden. This is a case of 'the master's whims must be obeyed.'
Refers to a red eboshi (a type of headgear), which was considered eccentric or unusual. The proverb uses this image to represent the master's peculiar preference.
The phrase literally means 'the red eboshi that the master likes.' A red eboshi was an unconventional choice, so the proverb illustrates that even the master's odd preferences must be accepted by the household.