Camel's nose Meaning in English
expression
释义
An expression meaning a small, seemingly harmless action that can lead to bigger, usually unwanted, problems if not stopped early.
用法与细微差别
Usually used in discussions about rules, boundaries, or negative consequences from allowing something small. Rare in daily conversation; more common in writing or formal speech. Often appears as 'the camel's nose under the tent.' Not used for positive developments.
例句
Allowing one exception may be the camel's nose in our company policy.
basic
Be careful, that rule change could be the camel's nose.
basic
Some people think letting phones in class is the camel's nose for more problems.
basic
That new policy is just the camel's nose under the tent—soon they'll change everything.
natural
We can’t ignore the camel's nose; small changes add up quickly.
natural
It might seem harmless now, but it's the classic camel's nose situation.
natural