little strokes fell great oaks - Wiktionary, the free dictionary

little strokes fell great oaks

1. (idiomatic) Small but persistent efforts can lead to big results.

   • 1873, The Dublin University Magazine: A Literary and Political Journal, page 685:

     “Little strokes fell great oaks,” says the steady worker. “One stroke fells not an oak,” makes a piece of advice to the impetuous. In danger the insignificant may console themselves with the reflection that “Oaks may fall and reeds brave the storm.

• mighty oaks from little acorns grow