enough light things can break an axle—minor offences unchecked may bring disaster
❍ 臣闻积羽沉舟,~,众口铄金,故愿大王之熟计之也。(《战国策·魏策》一) I’ve heard that minor offences unchecked may bring disaster as enough feathers can sink a boat and enough light things can break an axle and that public clamour can confoundright and wrong. Therefore I wish Your Exellency will think it over.
群轻折轴qun qing zhe zhou
a load of many light things can break the axle of cart—minor offences unchecked may bring disaster
群轻折轴qún qīnɡ zhé zhóu
指一大堆不重的东西也能折断车轴。比喻事情虽小,发展下去也能产生严重后果。A combination of insignificant efforts can work miracles. That was the last straw that broke the camel’s back.