Chinese idiom · 成语
小惩大诫
Meaning
Small punishment, great warning; minor discipline teaches.
Character by character
Origin and story
Philosophical teachingThe 'Appended Statements, Part Two' of the Book of Changes explains how a small punishment can provide a warning great enough to prevent more serious wrongdoing. The passage describes someone who does not respond to moral shame and therefore needs a corrective consequence. Its wording is 小惩而大诫: a slight chastening that produces substantial caution.
The shorter exact form appears in the History of the Wei's account of Huan Xuan, in a complaint that earlier restraint had not led him to reform. The idiom concerns the preventive purpose of a proportionate consequence; it does not mean that every small mistake deserves severe punishment.
Sources and further reading
In everyday life
管理员暂停了他的发帖权限，希望小惩大诫，让他别再辱骂别人。
The moderator suspended his posting rights, hoping a small penalty would deter further abuse.
A limited consequence intended to prevent more serious or repeated misconduct.