1
essence and fringe;beginning and ending;root and branch;means and end
本末を転倒するな。
Don't put the cart before the horse.
1
Motosue
1
putting the cart before the horse;mistaking the means for the end;getting one's priorities backwards
あなたの言っていることは本末転倒だと思わないかい？
Don't you think you're putting the cart before the horse?
Other forms
本末顛倒 【ほんまつてんとう】 (rarely used kanji form) · 本末顚倒 【ほんまつてんとう】 (rarely used kanji form)