we have to (learn to) walk before we (can) run

we have to (learn to) walk before we (can) run

One must understand or become adept at the basic skills, techniques, or details of something before moving on to that which requires greater skill or experience. I see it all the time—people who want to become hotshot doctors but don't want to put in all the hard work the field demands. We have to walk before we run, after all. While the results of the drug trial are encouraging, there are still a huge number of tests to be done—we have to learn to walk before we can run. A: "You're having me go to court to defend some drunk driver? Look, I know I'm new, but I want to tackle one of the really big cases!" B: "And you will, but we have to learn to walk before we run."
See also: before, have, run, walk, we
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

walk before you can run

grasp the basic skills before attempting something more difficult.
See also: before, can, run, walk
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • walk before you can run
  • we must (learn to) walk before we (can) run
  • you have to (learn to) walk before you (can) run
  • you must (learn to) walk before you (can) run
  • you've got to (learn to) walk before you (can) run
  • lose a step
  • not (really) (one's) scene
  • not your scene
  • able to (do something) with (one's) eyes closed
  • able to do blindfolded