Governing a big country is like cooking small dishes.

Definition: [fresh] delicious food; delicious food. The literal meaning of this sentence is "Governing a big country is like cooking delicious side dishes."

Myth 1: Governing a big country is like cooking small fish. The oil, salt, sauce and vinegar should be just right, neither too much nor too little.

Argument 2: Governing a big country should be as difficult as cooking, and should be as meticulous as cooking. Both must control the heat and pay attention to the seasonings.

Myth 3: "Xiao Xian" is like a small fish, or a small piece of meat. It means that governing a big country should be like cooking a small fish. When cooking small fish, don't stir it too much. If you stir it too much, it will rot easily. This is a metaphor for running a big country by doing nothing. It is often used to describe the ease of doing things.

Statement 4: From ancient times to the present, many politicians like to quote this sentence to remind those in power. As for the meaning of this sentence, the popular understanding in ancient and modern times is: Governing a big country is like frying small fish. The oil, salt, sauce, vinegar and other seasonings must be put in just right, no more, no less.