Meaning:
To make a fuss over something unimportant while ignoring larger issues
Examples:
- Look at that. Edward is combing his hair at his desk. How unprofessional. Jane: Don't strain at gnats and swallow camels. There are worse problems than that around here.
- Amber wastes time in meetings over the most insignificant things—she has no sense of priorities. She’ll strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.