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I recently encountered the expression “In for a penny, in for a pound†in print, and I didn't quite understand it. I googled the expression, and I found a couple of sites that said that the origin of this phrase refers to the equivalent punishment for stealing something small and stealing something big. Is this the origin of the phrase, or is it something else?
Here is what the OED says in the penny entry:
c. in for a penny, in for a pound: expressing a commitment to see a course of action through to its completion, whatever that may involve.
1695 E. RAVENSCROFT Canterbury Guests V. i. 50 Well than, O'er shooes, o'er boots. And In for a Penny, in for a Pound. 1737 J. BREVAL Rape of Helen i. 21 In for a Penny in for a Pound,..I must go through-stitch with my Gallantry. 1841 DICKENS Old Curiosity Shop II. lxvi. 177 Being in for a penny, I am ready as the saying is to be in for a pound. c1882 W. S. GILBERT Iolanthe II. 33 In for a penny, in for a pound{em}It's Love that makes the world go round! 1906 L. STRACHEY in Lit. Ess. (1948) 142 The emendator is on an inclined plane which leads him inevitably from readjustments of punctuation to corrections of grammar, and from corrections of grammar to alterations of rhythm; if he is in for a penny, he is in for a pound. 1977 Transatlantic Rev. LX. 189 The cabbie steamed up to Notting Hill Gate with an In for a penny, In for a pound expression on his face. 2003 Sydney Morning Herald (Nexis) 27 Aug. 1 Once committed, I was in for a penny, in for a pound, so I was not going to pull out.
Emmett
Remember that a penny and a pound are both units of currency. They way I always understood the phrase was in a gambling context. If you are willing to bet a penny (same as a US penny) you might as well bet a pound (closer to a dollar, well closer to one and a half dollars).
EDIT: Lemme rephrase. If you have already bet a penny and the stakes are raised, you might say, "Well, in for a penny, in for a pound, I suppose."
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
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