A small, seemingly innocuous act or decision that will lead to much larger, more serious, and less desirable consequences down the line. The term refers to an alleged Arab proverb that if a camel is allowed to get its nose inside of a tent, it will be impossible to prevent the rest of it from entering.



Definition of tent

1 : a collapsible shelter of fabric (such as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building

Inside the Tent

Inside the tent, inside the fold
You look big and bold
One small mistake and you're out
side the tent in the cold.

One small slip, you'll fall flat
on your face, so, mind how you go
Party lines and slogans
that every yes man should know.