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舍本逐末
shě běn zhú mò◆idiom
to neglect the essential and pursue the trivial
在工作中，我们不能舍本逐末，要抓住核心问题。
At work, we must not neglect the essential and pursue the trivial; we need to focus on the core issues.
general
To prioritize minor or unimportant matters while ignoring the fundamental or essential aspects of a situation.
他总是舍本逐末，只关注细节而忽略了整体战略。
He always neglects the essential and pursues the trivial, focusing only on details while ignoring the overall strategy.
This idiom is often used to criticize someone who is overly focused on minor issues while neglecting the bigger picture.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
This idiom is often used in discussions about work, management, or decision-making to highlight the importance of focusing on the right priorities.
Gold Rule
Key Concept
The idiom emphasizes the importance of focusing on the fundamental aspects of a situation rather than getting distracted by minor details.
Word Origin
The idiom originates from ancient Chinese philosophy and agriculture, where it was used to describe the importance of focusing on the root (本) rather than the branches (末).
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express the idea of misplaced priorities.
Word Breakdown
舍
to abandon or give up
root本
root or foundation
root逐
to pursue
root末
end or branch
root汉英词典