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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

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

From a German proverb recorded in 1512 by Thomas Murner, cautioning against losing the good with the bad.

Thomas Carlyle used it in English in 1849.

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.