Anguillam cauda tenes.
(Anonymous)

You are holding an eel by the tail.

pron = ahn-GWEEL-lahm KOW-dah TEH-nays.

Comment: I don't touch snakes. But, I've seen those who do pick up
snakes hold them very closely by the head. Holding a snake, or an
eel, by the tail gives the creature too much wiggle room, so to speak.
If it is poisonous, the wiggle may mean real harm. If it is not
poisonous, then perhaps it will "play" with you.

What situation do we "hold" too loosely, too carelessly, at too much distance?