This means that when many people have different tastes or opinions, it's impossible to satisfy all of them at once. It's a realistic acknowledgment of human diversity.
The saying comes from cooking—everyone has a different palate. In Chinese culture, where group harmony is valued, this saying helps explain why consensus is often impossible.
It lowers expectations and excuses the decision-maker from the burden of universal approval. It's a diplomatic way to say 'I can't make everyone happy, so I'll do what I think is best.'
Draw random cards from hundreds of real Chinese folk sayings and proverbs. Each flip reveals what Chinese people actually mean.
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