魚さかなは頭あたまから腐くさる

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.

• 会かい社しゃが不ふ正せいにまみれているのは、魚さかなは頭あたまから腐くさるという言こと葉ば通どおりだ。

  The company is riddled with fraud, just as the saying goes, 'the fish rots from the head.'

• 組そ織しき改かい革かくは上うえから始はじめなければならない。魚さかなは頭あたまから腐くさるからだ。

  Organizational reform must start from the top, because the fish rots from the head.