What Do Too Many Cooks Do, According To The Proverb?

The complete proverb is "Too many cooks spoil the broth." This means that if you have too many people involved in a project, they will often ruin it. The truth of the proverb can be seen if it is applied to its original subject, cookery: if two or three people each see themselves as being in charge of preparing a particular dish, they will probably each add seasoning, for instance – resulting in an over-seasoned dish.

This proverb contrasts with another, equally famous one: "Many hands make light work." However, they are both true. The problem summed up by the "too many cooks" saying is one of demarcation; who is in charge of what. One person's work is not better done if two people take a hand in it. On the other hand, if you have a large or complicated task, the more people who will help you with it, the better.