in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king

in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king

Someone with few skills or abilities can impress and wield power over those who have even less to offer. A: "Oh please, Dave's a fool, and the only reason he has any power at all is because he can do lots of odd jobs that the other people around here can't." B: "Wow, I guess it’s true what they say—in the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king."

See also: country, king, man, of

In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

Prov. A person who is not particularly capable can attain a powerful position if the people around him or her are even less capable. Jill: How on earth did Joe get promoted to be head of his department? He's such a blunderer! Jane: In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.

See also: country, king, man, of