Dieter: This is not an existing proverb to my knowledge but it is a principle of good play that most players adopt.
In this diagram, Black's choice of joseki in the left corner is doubtful in my opinion. Up to he builds influence in the direction of the marked White stone which is part of a low and stable position.
This pincer may be a better idea. Black will prehaps himself develop a low and stable position at the bottom. Alternatively, he goes for the corner with a. I'll have a further look at the choice of joseki here.
Maybe Black erred earlier and should have played the [avalanche with here, because his marked stone emphasizes influence along the bottom.
Bill: In a game with Yasui Sanchi, Ito Showa played .
here makes a big wall, but the stable group (
) renders it ineffective.
Commentary by Kajiwara in Genbi, Shuntetsu, Sentoku: Nihon Igo Taikei 12 (Genbi, Shuntetsu, Sentoku: Outline of Japanese Go History vol. 12), p. 103.