English Explanatory Dictionary

in for a penny, in for a pound

English dictionary entry

Meanings

proverb
  1. Expressing that, having begun something (that involves significant risk or effort), one intends to see it to completion rather than stopping short.

Pronunciation

/ɪn fəɹə ˈpɛ.ni ɪn fəɹə paʊnd/ /ɪn fɔɹ ə ˈpɛ.ni ɪn fɔɹ ə paʊnd/ en-au-in for a penny, in for a pound.ogg

Word forms

in for a penny, in for a pound

Etymology

Originally with reference to the fact that if one owed a penny, one might as well owe a pound (pound sterling, UK currency) as the penalties for non-payment were virtually identical in severity.

Synonyms

in for a dime, in for a dollar in for an inch, in for a mile

Antonyms

if you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop digging It's never the wrong time to make the right decision

Related words

one may as well hang for a sheep as a lamb penny wise and pound foolish pot committed status quo bias sunk costs fallacy throw good money after bad
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