strain at a gnat and swallow a camel

The phrase "strain at a gnat and swallow a camel" is an idiom that originates from the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew (23:24). It is used metaphorically to depict someone who is excessively concerned with minor or trivial details while neglecting or ignoring more significant issues or problems. The imagery of "straining at a gnat" refers to the act of meticulously filtering out a tiny insect, a gnat, from a drink or food item, indicating extreme attention to minute details. On the other hand, "swallowing a camel" refers to the act of consuming or accepting something much larger, in this case, a camel, which symbolizes a significant issue or problem. Therefore, the phrase implies that the person in question is incredibly fixated on inconsequential matters while failing to recognize or address more substantial or essential issues. It criticizes the tendency to prioritize minor concerns over more significant ones.