in for a penny, in for a pound: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’ mean?
The idiom "in for a penny, in for a pound" means that once you commit to doing something, you might as well fully commit and go all the way, regardless of the cost or consequences.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "pennies on the dollar" means to buy or sell something at a significantly discounted price, usually much lower than its actual value.
The idiom "jack in" means to give up, quit or abandon something, usually abruptly or without warning. It can refer to quitting a job, ending a relationship, or discontinuing an activity or endeavor.
The idiom "in for an inch, in for a mile" means that if you are already involved or committed to a small task or action, you might as well go all the way and commit fully to a larger task or action.
The idiom "in for a dime, in for a dollar" means that once you commit to something, you are fully committed and have to see it through to the end, regardless of the consequences or risks involved.
The idiom "go halfsies" means to split the cost or share something equally between two people.
The idiom "go for it" means to take action without hesitation or fear, pursuing something with determination and enthusiasm.
The idiom "go for broke" means to take a great risk or make a bold, all-out effort in pursuit of a goal, regardless of the potential consequences or failure.
The idiom "go for a song" means that something is sold very cheaply or at a much lower price than its actual value.
The idiom "go all the way" means to fully commit or complete a task or action without hesitation or reservation.
The idiom "give what for" means to scold or reprimand someone strongly or to give them a severe punishment or retribution. It conveys the idea of delivering a forceful response or a deserved consequence for someone's actions or behavior.
Idioms: A Matter of Small Beginnings
In for a penny, in for a pound is an idiomatic expression that originated in England in the mid-17th century. It is commonly used in British English, but is also known and used in American English, albeit to a lesser extent. The idiom is understood to mean that if one is going to take a small risk or make a small commitment, they might as well take a bigger risk or make a bigger commitment because the ultimate outcome will be the same.
The origin of the idiom lies in the old British currency system, which consisted of pennies and pounds. "in for a dime, in for a dollar" follows a similar structure and conveys a similar meaning. If someone is willing to commit to a small amount of money or effort, they might as well commit to a larger amount because the result will be the same. It's like saying, if you're going to take the risk, you might as well go all in.
The phrase "in for an inch, in for a mile" is another idiom related to "in for a penny, in for a pound." It means that once someone has started something, even if it's just a small task or commitment, they might as well fully embrace it and go all the way. It's like saying, if you're going to do something, do it to the best of your ability and don't hold back.
The idiom "for all one is worth" also relates to "in for a penny, in for a pound." It means that someone is putting in all their effort, energy, or resources into something. It suggests a wholehearted and committed approach to a task or endeavor. If you're going to do something, do it for all you're worth.
The phrase "a pound to a penny" is another idiom that connects to "in for a penny, in for a pound." It means that something is very likely or almost certain to happen. It implies a high degree of confidence in a particular outcome. If someone says, "I bet you a pound to a penny," they are expressing their belief that they are extremely confident or certain about the result.
The expression "pennies on the dollar" is closely related to "in for a penny, in for a pound." It refers to something being sold or purchased at a significantly reduced price. It implies that the item or service is being acquired for a fraction of its original cost. If you can purchase something for pennies on the dollar, it means that you're getting a great deal or discount.
The phrase "in for a penny, in for a pound" carries a sense of commitment and determination. It encourages individuals to fully embrace a choice or action, even if it involves some level of risk or uncertainty. The idiom's relation to other idioms, such as "in for a dime, in for a dollar" and "in for an inch, in for a mile," further emphasize the idea of going all in and fully committing to a task or endeavor.
In contemporary usage, "in for a penny, in for a pound" is often employed in situations where a person is faced with an initial choice or action that involves some level of risk. It suggests that once a person has made the initial commitment, they should fully embrace it, regardless of the potential negative consequences. This could apply to a range of scenarios, from financial investments to personal relationships to major life decisions. The idiom conveys a sense of not holding back or being half-hearted, but rather being fully committed.
The phrase can also be interpreted metaphorically, beyond its original reference to currency. In a broader sense, it encourages individuals to approach situations with a bold and determined mindset, recognizing that the outcome of a small or large risk might ultimately be the same. This perspective acknowledges the potential benefits of taking chances and demonstrates a willingness to face the potential consequences.
While "in for a penny, in for a pound" has a clear and widely accepted meaning, idioms by nature are open to interpretation and can vary in usage across different contexts and regions. The idiom's staying power throughout the centuries speaks to its enduring relevance and the universal human experience of weighing risks and commitments.
Example usage
Examples:
- She decided to buy the expensive dress, figuring that she was already in for a penny, so she might as well be in for a pound and splurge on the matching accessories.
- After agreeing to help her friend move, Jane realized that it was a much bigger task than she had anticipated. But she thought to herself, "Well, I'm in for a penny, in for a pound" and ended up spending the whole weekend helping with the move.
- John initially only planned to have one slice of cake, but after tasting how delicious it was, he thought he might as well have a second. He chuckled to himself, thinking, "In for a penny, in for a pound."
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