strain at gnats and swallow camels

Prov. to criticize other people for minor offenses while ignoring major offenses. (Biblical.) Jill: Look at that. Edward is combing his hair at his desk. How unprofessional. Jane: Don't strain at gnats and swallow camels. There are worse problems than that around here.

See also: and, camel, gnat, strain, swallow

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Chantal	shawn-TAHL (French), shawn-TAL (English), shan-TAL (English), shahn-TAHL (Dutch)	French, English, Dutch
Iga	-	Polish
Hrothulf	-	Anglo-Saxon (Latinized)
Noe	-	Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek
Hei&Eth;RÚN	-	Norse Mythology, Icelandic
Helfried	HEL-freet	German