A metaphor for a task that is difficult or impossible to complete when too many people offer conflicting opinions and advice, hindering progress and decision-making. Similar to 'too many cooks spoil the broth.'
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Zhang intended to commission the scholar Cao Bao to revise the ritual music. However, Ban Gu proposed that all Confucian scholars in the capital should be gathered to jointly research and formulate the rites and music.
Emperor Zhang believed that allowing so many scholars to participate would be akin to 'building a house by the roadside, which would not be completed even after three years' (作舍道旁，三年不成), meaning too many opinions would hinder the progress.
He therefore insisted that Cao Bao complete the task alone. After review, 150 pieces were ultimately adopted.