From a small clue, one can see what lies ahead.
This idiom originates in Han Fei Zi (The Book of Han Fei Zi), a collection of the works by Han Fei (c. 280-233 BC), a thinker and major representative of the Legalist school in the late Warring States Period.
It is about one's ability to perceive subtle omens and foresee developing trends and the overall situation. In doing anything, one needs to gain an in-depth and accurate understanding of the evolving trends by observing both the general picture and the minor details, so as to take appropriate measures.
Addressing a training program for young officials at the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance) in March 2021, Xi Jinping urged the officials to increase their ability to see through the surface into the heart of the matter, accurately understand, effectively respond to and take the initiative in seeking change, perceive favorable opportunities, draw on strengths, and avoid weaknesses.
見微知著
“見微知著”出自《韓非子》，意為發現細微苗頭，就能知道事物的演變趨勢或整體狀態。“微”即隱微、不明，指事物尚處于不易被察覺的潛在狀態；“著”即顯著、明顯，指事物的本質已經充分顯現或事物的發展已處于充分展開的狀態。這一理念指明做任何事情，都要深刻認識、精準把握事物演變的內在規律，既要著眼全局，又要關注細微處，提前防范可能出現的問題。
2021年3月，習近平在中央黨校（國家行政學院）中青年干部培訓班開班式上強調，要提升見微知著的能力，透過現象看本質，準確識變、科學應變、主動求變，洞察先機、趨利避害。
