Dà bìng cóng shā qǐ; dà zéi cóng guā qǐ.

大病從痧起, 大賊從瓜起。

Lit [Just as a] serious illness [may] start from [an insignificant illness like] sunstroke, [so a] big thief [may] develop from [the theft of a] melon.

Fig One must pay attention to small errors and transgressions at the beginning, and “nip them in the bud.”

Note [See also dà chuán hái pà below.]

Topics PRECAUTIONS THEFT TRANSGRESSIONS