In for a penny, in for a pound
Meaning: Once committed to something, go all the way with it.
Origin: The earliest known use is in Edward Ravenscroft's comedy The Canterbury Guests (1695). Once you have committed a small amount, you may as well commit fully — the pound being worth 240 old pennies. It is often said just before doing something rash.
Equivalents in French, Spanish, Japanese, and German
- French: Quand le vin est tiré, il faut le boire (literally: When the wine is drawn, you must drink it)
- Spanish: De perdidos, al río (literally: From lost, to the river)
- Japanese: 毒を食らわば皿まで (Doku wo kurawaba sara made) (literally: If you eat poison, lick the plate too)
- German: Wer A sagt, muss auch B sagen (literally: He who says A must also say B)
More proverbs about Perseverance
- Every dog has its day — Everyone will have their moment of success or good fortune.
- A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step — Great accomplishments start with small beginnings.
- If at first you don't succeed, try, try again — Persistence is essential to success.
- Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do today — Avoid procrastination.
- Blood, sweat, and tears — Great achievement requires immense effort and sacrifice.
- The first step is the hardest — Starting something new requires the most courage.