strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
strain at a gnat and swallow a camel
To resist, criticize, or bemoan something minor or inconsequential while ignoring or overlooking something much more serious or important. The expression originated in the Bible, in Matthew 23:24. The government is letting the housing crisis spiral out of control while they spend millions trying to catch people who sublet their apartments without paying taxes. Talk about straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel!
See also: and, camel, gnat, strain, swallow
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- a straw will show which way the wind blows
- all for the best
- (you) wanna make something of it?
- (do) (you) want to make something of it?
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a crack at (someone or something)
- all right
- a thing of the past
- a slew of (something)