To begin skinning the eel at the tail.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Beginning at the wrong point can make a task unnecessarily difficult. Understand the sequence and dependencies before putting effort into an inconvenient starting place.

What the words are saying

The eel image presents a job approached from an unsuitable end. The broader question is whether the chosen first action helps the next actions become possible. Instructions, preparation or advice from someone experienced may reveal a simpler sequence. Changing the order can then save effort without reducing care. The saying is a metaphor about method; it does not establish one correct process for every task. Some work allows several starting points, and the best choice depends on the actual conditions.

Everyday example

A volunteer begins painting shelving before checking whether it needs to be dismantled. They pause, read the assembly plan and prepare the parts in a workable order.

When to use it

Use it when the starting sequence is making a practical task harder.

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