Meaning of the word "keep no more cats than can catch mice" in English

What does "keep no more cats than can catch mice" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

keep no more cats than can catch mice

US /kiːp noʊ mɔːr kæts ðæn kæn kætʃ maɪs/
UK /kiːp nəʊ mɔː kæts ðæn kæn kætʃ maɪs/
"keep no more cats than can catch mice" picture

Idiom

do not maintain or pay for more people or things than are actually useful or necessary

Example:
We need to downsize the department; remember, keep no more cats than can catch mice.
The CEO's motto for efficiency was to keep no more cats than can catch mice.