The fish rots from the top

‘The (new) Master” has spoken yet again.  Chris Matthews uttered this mashup as he was discussing the Trump staffer who said about McCain, “he’s dying anyway”.  This is a mix of the idioms “a fish rots from the head down” (when an organization fails, the chief executive is the root cause) and “top of the ladder (or food chain)” (the position of most importance).  The “head” is certainly at the “top” of a person, which could have cause Mr. Matthew’s mental hiccup.  This is one of many from his lips, so please loyal followers, watch Mr. Matthews with baited ears.  A big thanks to Frank King for hearing this Matthewism and sending it in.