>[!abstract]
>*For want of a nail* is a proverb illustrating how small causes can have disproportionately large consequences through cascading effects. Originating in a medieval rhyme, it traces a chain of loss from a missing horseshoe nail to the downfall of a kingdom, showing how neglecting trivial details can trigger systemic failure. The phrase is widely used as a cautionary metaphor in management, engineering, and everyday life to emphasize vigilance over minor elements whose absence can compromise larger outcomes.
^ba05b1
>[!quote]
>For want of a nail the shoe was lost;
>For want of a shoe the horse was lost;
>For want of a horse the rider was lost;
>For want of a rider the message was lost;
>For want of a message the battle was lost;
>For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
>And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
>[!related]
>- **North** (upstream): —
>- **West** (similar): [[Nonlinear system]]
>- **East** (different): —
>- **South** (downstream): —