What does “A small leak will sink a great ship.” mean?

"A small leak will sink a great ship" means that even a small problem or issue can have significant consequences if left unaddressed. Just as a tiny leak in a ship can cause it to sink, a small problem in life can escalate and cause much larger problems. The proverb is often used to encourage people to deal with problems immediately before they become more serious.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Don't underestimate the power of small issues. A small leak will sink a great ship. It's important to address problems before they become bigger.

Example

Remember, a small leak will sink a great ship. Don't ignore the small problems in your life, as they can lead to bigger troubles.

Example

Procrastination can be dangerous. A small leak will sink a great ship. Deal with your problems promptly to avoid bigger consequences

Is “A small leak will sink a great ship.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A small leak will sink a great ship.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “A small leak will sink a great ship.” effectively in context?

You can use "A small leak will sink a great ship" to emphasize the importance of addressing small problems or issues before they escalate and cause bigger consequences. For instance, if a friend is neglecting their studies, you might say, 'Remember, a small leak will sink a great ship. Don't underestimate the impact of skipping classes.'

1Personal Life
Don't ignore the small signs of trouble in your relationship. Remember, a small leak will sink a great ship.
2Work
Addressing minor issues in the project is crucial. A small leak will sink a great ship if left unattended.
3Financial Management
Neglecting small expenses can lead to financial troubles. A small leak will sink a great ship when it comes to budgeting.

Similar phrases to “A small leak will sink a great ship.”:

A stitch in time saves nine

Taking timely action to address a problem can prevent it from becoming worse.

Example

Fixing the small crack now will save you from major repairs later. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine.

Prevention is better than cure

It's better to take precautions and avoid problems rather than dealing with the consequences later.

Example

Wearing sunscreen is important to protect your skin. Remember, prevention is better than cure.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure

Taking preventive measures is more effective and efficient than dealing with the consequences later.

Example

Investing in regular maintenance will save you from costly repairs. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A small leak will sink a great ship.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A small leak will sink a great ship" is unknown.

Is “A small leak will sink a great ship.” common in everyday conversation?

"A small leak will sink a great ship" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. People use it to highlight the importance of addressing small problems before they become bigger and more difficult to handle.

What tone does “A small leak will sink a great ship.” have?

"A small leak will sink a great ship" conveys a tone of caution and warning. It is used to remind others of the potential consequences of neglecting small issues.

Can “A small leak will sink a great ship.” be used in informal and formal settings?

"A small leak will sink a great ship" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a widely recognized proverb that conveys the idea of taking care of small problems to prevent larger ones. You can use it in various contexts, such as conversations with friends, family, colleagues, or even in professional presentations or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Don't ignore the warning signs. Remember, "a small leak will sink a great ship".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Time to address the issue. "A small leak will sink a great ship"!' to imply the need for immediate action.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

nip it in the bud
deal with the small issues before they become big
address the problem at its early stage
don't let small problems grow into big ones
take care of the small things to avoid big consequences

Antonyms

ignore the warning signs
let the small problems slide
neglect the minor issues
turn a blind eye to the small leaks
delay addressing the small problems