expression
seek shelter under a big tree; serve the powerful for your own good
Proverb advising that one should attach oneself to a powerful or influential person for protection and benefit. The literal image is of taking shade under a large tree.
寄らば大樹の陰というから、やはり大きな会社に就職したほうが安心だ。
As the saying goes, 'seek shelter under a big tree,' so it's safer to get a job at a large company after all.
彼は寄らば大樹の陰の考えで、いつも権力者に近づこうとする。
With a 'serve the powerful for your own good' mindset, he always tries to get close to people in power.
A similar proverb meaning 'if you can't beat them, join them,' emphasizing submission to superior force rather than actively seeking powerful patronage.
A Japanese proverb of uncertain origin. The literal meaning is 'if you lean, the shade of a big tree,' suggesting that one should rely on a powerful figure for protection and advantage.