Don't stop the plough to catch a mouse.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Do not interrupt an important undertaking for every minor distraction. Weigh the interruption against the value of keeping the main task moving.

What the words are saying

The plough represents substantial ongoing work, while the mouse offers a small pursuit that can take attention away from it. The saying asks whether stopping is proportionate to what would be gained. Figuratively, a team can lose momentum by repeatedly turning from its central purpose to incidental details. The mouse’s smallness is part of the rhetorical comparison, not proof that every small issue is harmless. A warning about access, accuracy or another essential requirement may deserve immediate attention. Distinguish a diversion from a necessary correction, then give each matter a place that reflects its actual importance.

Everyday example

A catalogue team records a suggestion about decorative headings for later instead of stopping an urgent correction of missing page references to debate it.

When to use it

Use it when minor optional details repeatedly interrupt the work that matters most at that moment.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.