When finding oneself in a troubling situation, one should first make sure one is not making the situation worse by his own actions before addressing all other causes.

Synonym of if you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging

Alternative form of Thingstead

plural of Thingstead

(historical, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon) A place where a Thing (governing meeting or assembly) was held; forum

plural of thingstead