Too many cooks spoil the broth
Lithograph by Lizzie Lawson, published 1881

The origin of the phrase too many cooks spoil the broth' is believed to date back to ancient Rome. The phrase has its roots in the Latin proverb 'coquus convivium corrumpit' which translates to 'the cook corrupts the feast'. This idea was later expressed in English in various forms before evolving into the more familiar version we use today. The concept behind the phrase has been around for centuries, highlighting the idea that when there are too many people involved in a task or decision-making process, it can lead to confusion, disagreement, and ultimately a poorer outcome.