Proverb / Kotowaza
大事の前の小事
Small details must be handled carefully when pursuing a big goal, or small things may be sacrificed for a larger objective.
small matters before a great matter
Quick Answer
Small details must be handled carefully when pursuing a big goal, or small things may be sacrificed for a larger objective.
- Literal Image
- small matters before a great matter
- How to Use It
- Use this when emphasizing the importance of detailed preparation to avoid failure in a big project, or when justifying a small sacrifice for a larger benefit.
Meaning
This expression carries two distinct meanings depending on the context. First, it emphasizes that to achieve a major goal, one must not neglect even the smallest details or risks. Second, it suggests that when faced with a significant undertaking, minor losses or small matters may be sacrificed to ensure the success of the greater cause.
Literal Image
small matters before a great matter
How to Use It
Use this when emphasizing the importance of detailed preparation to avoid failure in a big project, or when justifying a small sacrifice for a larger benefit.
Tone
The tone is cautionary or pragmatic.
Examples
大事の前の小事だ。些細なミスが命取りにならないよう気を引き締めよう。
It is a small matter before a great matter. Let's stay focused so that a trivial mistake doesn't become fatal.
大事の前の小事と言うから、準備は細部まで怠りなくしておこう。
They say 'small matters before a great matter,' so let's make sure our preparations are thorough down to the finest details.
大事の前の小事で、この程度の損失は目をつぶるしかない。
It is a small matter before a great matter; we have no choice but to overlook a loss of this size for the sake of the goal.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary consists of basic kanji (big, small, before, matter), but the dual meaning and the phrasing 'no mae no' requires an intermediate understanding of idiomatic structure.
大事
だいじ / daiji
important matter; great thing
小事
しょうじ / shoji
small matter; trivial thing
前
まえ / mae
before; in front of
Usage Profile
Usage note: Ensure the context clarifies whether you are warning against carelessness or justifying a sacrifice.
Misread Risk
Do not assume it only means 'details are important'; in some contexts, it means 'details are secondary to the main goal.'
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Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.