What does “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” mean?
"Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king" means that even if you have a small advantage or ability in a group of people who lack that ability, you will still stand out and be considered a leader.
What context can I use the in?
Example
In a group of amateurs, a semi-professional will always shine. Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Example
Even with just a little knowledge, you can be seen as an expert among those who know nothing. Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Example
When everyone is clueless, even a basic understanding can make you the authority. *Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Is “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” effectively in context?
You can use "Among the blind the one-eyed man is king" to highlight the idea that even a small amount of knowledge or ability can make someone stand out among a group of people who have none. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use this phrase:
- 1Work
In a team of inexperienced employees, the person with a little bit of knowledge about a particular task can be seen as a leader. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king.
- 2Sports
In a group of beginners playing a sport, someone with basic skills can appear to be highly skilled. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king.
- 3Art
In a gathering of people who have no artistic talent, someone with minimal artistic ability can be considered a talented artist. Among the blind the one-eyed man is king.
Similar phrases to “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”:
Someone with even a small amount of knowledge or ability can be considered superior or successful among those who have none.
Example
Even though she only knows a little about cooking, she was able to impress her friends who couldn't cook at all. In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
Having a small amount of knowledge about something can lead to overconfidence and mistakes.
Example
He thought he knew everything about cars because he read a few articles, but his attempt to fix his car ended up causing more damage. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Among the blind the one-eyed man is king" can be traced back to the 16th century. It is believed to have originated from a Latin proverb, 'In regione caecorum rex est luscus,' which translates to 'In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.' The phrase has since been adapted and used in various languages and cultures.
Is “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” common in everyday conversation?
"Among the blind the one-eyed man is king" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still recognized and understood by many English speakers.
What tone does “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” have?
"Among the blind the one-eyed man is king" conveys a tone of irony and observation. It highlights the contrast between someone with a small amount of knowledge or ability and a group of people who lack it.
Can “Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king.” be used in informal and formal settings?
"Among the blind the one-eyed man is king" is a formal proverb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is often used in discussions or situations where there is a clear contrast between expertise levels.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase "Among the blind the one-eyed man is king" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'In a room full of amateurs, he was seen as a genius, "among the blind the one-eyed man is king".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "among the blind the one-eyed man is king"!' to imply the idea of standing out with limited knowledge or ability.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- in a world of ignorance, the knowledgeable one is respected.
- in a group of fools, the wise person is revered.
- in a sea of incompetence, the competent one shines.
- in a crowd of novices, the experienced one stands out.
Antonyms
- in a room full of experts, the novice is ignored.
- in a group of geniuses, the average person is overlooked.
- in a gathering of professionals, the amateur is dismissed.
