give up eating for fear of choking; throw the baby out with the bathwater
Meanings
1 sense · 4 examplesidiom
to give up eating for fear of choking; to stop doing something for fear of possible problems; to throw the baby out with the bathwater
formalUsed to criticize excessive caution or abandoning a beneficial activity due to minor risks or past setbacks. Often used in formal writing, speeches, and discussions about policy or strategy.
We cannot throw the baby out with the bathwater and abandon the entire plan just because of minor difficulties.
Government regulation is meant to prevent risks, but it must not stifle innovation by throwing the baby out with the bathwater.
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After his last investment failed, he decided never to trade stocks again—this is a bit like giving up eating for fear of choking.
We cannot ban this activity entirely because of one accident—that would be throwing the baby out with the bathwater.