Xiànguān bùrú xiàn guǎn.*

縣官不如現管。

Lit A county magistrate['s control over someone] is not as effective as [that of one's] immediate superior.

Fig A higher official may not have as much power as the immediate manager on the spot.

Note [Used in both good and bad senses; see also guān chà, lì chà above.]

Topics CONTROL MAGISTRATES POWER SUPERIORS