[Idiom] DON’T THROW THE BABY OUT WITH THE BATHWATER. - Value Preservation: An Idiomatic Lesson

discard something valuable

The expression 'Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater' serves as a caution against overreacting and accidentally getting rid of valuable elements while attempting to discard unnecessary ones. This idiom originated in the 1500s in Germany and became popular in English as advice to be careful not to eliminate what is valuable or essential while removing what is regarded as waste. In today’s context, it is often used in business and personal decision-making scenarios, reminding us to maintain a balanced perspective and ensure that our solutions do not create additional problems by losing valuable resources or relationships.

Example Sentences

1. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater in the debate.

   Don't discard something valuable while trying to get rid of something unwanted in the debate.

2. She almost threw the baby out with the bathwater when criticizing.

   She almost discarded something valuable while criticizing.

3. While making changes, don't throw the baby out with the bathwater.

   While making changes, don't discard something valuable.