擒贼先擒王 meaning in English

capture the ringleader first in order to capture all his followers; before you can get rid of the petty criminals you must catch their boss.; destroy the leader and the gang will collapse.; to catch a snake by the head is good advice.; in capturing rebels it is necessary to capture their leaders.; in order to round up bandits, one must catch their ringleader first.; to catch bandits, first catch the ring leader