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Region: General | Usage example: In the rush to cut costs they threw the baby out with the bathwater.

Throw the baby out with the bathwater

Meaning

Discard something valuable while eliminating the unwanted.

Usage

Used when warning against overreaction.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

A medieval German proverb cautioning against losing the good with the bad.

Translated into English in early 20th century collections of proverbs.

Related Idioms

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

Sleep with one eye open

Be alert even while supposedly resting.

Take it with a grain of salt

Consider something with skepticism.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.