break a butterfly upon the wheel
This idiom originates from the practice of using a wheel as a tool of torture, highlighting the absurdity of using such extreme measures for minor issues.
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Definition
C1General
(idiomatic, figurative)To apply excessive force or effort to achieve a minor or unimportant result.
Example
- Criticizing her for a small mistake is like breaking a butterfly upon the wheel.
- Implementing such strict rules for a minor issue is breaking a butterfly upon the wheel.
C1General
(idiomatic, figurative)To handle a delicate or sensitive matter with unnecessary harshness.
Example
- Firing him for being late once is breaking a butterfly upon the wheel.
- Treating a child's minor misbehavior with severe punishment is breaking a butterfly upon the wheel.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "break a butterfly upon the wheel":