積せき羽う沈ちん舟しゅう

noun

many small things can have a big effect; a pile of feathers can sink a ship

A yojijukugo proverb meaning that even tiny, seemingly insignificant things can accumulate and cause a major outcome. The literal image is that a large enough pile of feathers can sink a ship. Used to warn against ignoring small matters.

• 「積せき羽う沈ちん舟しゅう」ということわざは、小ちいさなことでも積つもれば大おおきな力ちからになるという意い味みだ。

  The proverb 'sekū chinshū' means that even small things, when accumulated, can become a great force.