expression, godan verb (-ru)
the fish rots from the head; decay starts at the top
Proverb meaning that an organization or group deteriorates when its leadership is corrupt or incompetent. Often used in business or political contexts.
会社が不正にまみれているのは、魚は頭から腐るという言葉通りだ。
The company is riddled with fraud, just as the saying goes, 'the fish rots from the head.'
Organizational reform must start from the top, because the fish rots from the head.