To take drastic measures to prevent a minor harm or problem from escalating into a major disaster; to sacrifice a smaller part or deal with an issue decisively to avoid greater damage.
在疾病初期，必须及时治疗，不能拖延，否则等到病情恶化，就成了蛇螫断腕，悔之晚矣
In the early stages of an illness, treatment must be sought promptly without delay; otherwise, waiting until the condition worsens would be like having to sever the wrist after a snakebite has already spread, leading to irreversible regret.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
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