# 尾大不掉

wěi dà bù diào

A large subordinate part becomes hard to control

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** An oversized tail cannot be moved

**Register:** Concerned · formal

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe an organization impaired by an unwieldy part.

Not simply a large organization.

## Understanding the expression

A tail should follow the body's direction, but excessive size makes it difficult to move. The expression describes an organization in which a subordinate unit becomes so powerful or bulky that central decisions cannot work properly. Modern examples may involve departments, branches, or entrenched systems. The issue is the relation between control and size, not size alone. Clear responsibilities and balanced authority may matter more than simply reducing the number of people.

## Examples

分部过强，总部已尾大不掉。

### Traditional Chinese

分部過強，總部已尾大不掉。

fēn bù guò qiáng ， zǒng bù yǐ wěi dà bù diào 。

The branches are so strong that headquarters cannot control them.

旧系统尾大不掉，改革困难。

### Traditional Chinese

舊系統尾大不掉，改革困難。

jiù xì tǒng wěi dà bù diào ， gǎi gé kùn nán 。

The unwieldy old system resists reform.

部门扩张让机构尾大不掉。

### Traditional Chinese

部門擴張讓機構尾大不掉。

bù mén kuò zhāng ràng jī gòu wěi dà bù diào 。

Departmental expansion has made the organization difficult to manage.

他担心项目群会尾大不掉。

### Traditional Chinese

他擔心項目群會尾大不掉。

tā dān xīn xiàng mù qún huì wěi dà bù diào 。

He worries the group of projects will become uncontrollable.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%B0%BE%E5%A4%A7%E4%B8%8D%E6%8E%89)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=280&webMd=1&la=0)

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