neglect fundamentals for trivialities; put cart before horse
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to neglect the fundamental and pursue the trivial; to put the cart before the horse; to get priorities backwards
formalUsed to criticize someone who focuses on minor details, immediate gains, or superficial aspects while ignoring essential matters, long-term interests, or root causes. Often used in formal writing, business contexts, or serious criticism.
You're focusing only on minor details; this is completely putting the cart before the horse.
If a business pursues only short-term profits while neglecting product quality, it is neglecting the fundamentals.
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When learning a language, you can't just memorize vocabulary without understanding grammar; that would be missing the point.
Government investment should address people's livelihood issues, not put the cart before the horse by pursuing vanity projects.