Burn not your house to fright away the mice

Definition & Bedeutung von "burn not your house to fright away the mice"

burn not your house to fright away the mice

used to imply that it is unwise to use drastic or extreme measures to solve a small problem, as it may cause greater harm than good

Proverb

What is the origin of the proverb "burn not your house to fright away the mice" and when to use it?

The origin of the proverb "burn not your house to fright away the mice" is unclear, but it has been used in English literature since at least the 16th century. It advises against overreacting or resorting to overly aggressive solutions for minor issues, as this can lead to unnecessary damage or complications. The saying emphasizes the importance of using appropriate solutions that are proportional to the size and impact of the issue at hand.

Example

My mother repeated the proverb ' burn not your house to fright away the mice,' as a reminder to not overreact to minor issues and to find more reasonable solutions.