stop the plough to catch a mouse

Definition & Meaning of "stop the plough to catch a mouse"

stop the plough to catch a mouse

used to warn against prioritizing minor issues over more important tasks, that result in unnecessary delays or distractions

Proverb

Example

The CEO 's obsession with reviewing every email that came into her inbox caused her to stop the plough to catch a mouse, delaying critical decisions and projects.

Example

The CEO's obsession with reviewing every email that came into her inbox caused her to stop the plough to catch a mouse, delaying critical decisions and projects.