将しょうを射いんと欲ほっすれば先まず馬うまを射いよ

expression

if you want to shoot the general, first shoot his horse; do not shoot straight for the top; he that would the daughter win, must with the mother first begin

Proverb advising to first target what is close or subordinate to achieve a larger goal. Often used to suggest an indirect approach.

• 将しょうを射いんと欲ほっすれば先まず馬うまを射いよというように、まずは身み近ぢかな課か題だいから取とり組くもう。

  As the saying goes, 'If you want to shoot the general, first shoot his horse,' so let's start with the tasks close at hand.