It is a good thing to follow the first law of holes; if you are in one, stop digging.
[1988 D. Healey Observer in J. Care (ed.) Sayings of the Eighties]
When you're in a hole, stop digging.
[1989 U.S. News & World Report 23 Jan. CVI. iii. 46 (headline)]
William Hague seems to have forgotten the first rule of politics: when you are in a hole, stop digging.
[1997 Times 15 Sept. 1]
Parliament would be unwise to hand to somebody in Tehran, Lambeth Palace or Salt Lake City the power, by pronouncing something hateful, to create an offence under English law. You're in a hole, Home Secretary. Stop digging.
[2001 Spectator 1 Dec. 32]
Related to: prudence; trouble
Bibliography of major proverb collections and works cited from modern editions is available here.
