Phrase guide

one may as well hang for a sheep as a lamb

proverb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

proverb

Meaning 1

If one is going to commit a sin, it may as well be a major one as a minor one.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Referring to hanging as a former means of execution for one who had stolen an animal.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 一不做二不休 — Translations
  • Finnish: joka leikkiin ryhtyy, se leikin kestäköön — Translations
  • Japanese: 毒を喰らわば皿まで (dokuwokurawabasaramade) — Translations
  • Polish: lepiej iść na całość — Translations