a little fire is quickly trodden out

proverb A minor problem can be resolved quickly, but if it is left unattended, it may become more serious and unmanageable. A shortening of "a little fire is quickly trodden out, which being suffered, rivers cannot quench," which comes from Shakespeare's Henry VI. It's only a minor problem for the time being. A little fire is quickly trodden out, so let's come up with a solution so that it will be resolved as soon as possible. Gentlemen, this problem in the financial sector wreak havoc on the economy down the line. We still have time, but we must we act now—a little fire is quickly trodden out!