Meaning of in for a penny, in for a pound | Babel Free

Definitions

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

British

Equivalents

Examples

“Having tripped the bank's alarms, he simply uttered: "in for a penny, in for a pound", and continued on.”

“Well than, O'er shooes, o'er boots. And In for a Penny, in for a Pound. Whee—ho— Toby.”

““Well, this a pretty go, is this here!—an uncommon pretty go! Here have I been a matter of how many weeks—hard upon six—a-follering up this here blessed old dowager, petty lareenerer […] and Dotheboys Hall a-running itself regularly to seed the while! That's the worst of ever being in with a ow-dacious chap like that old Nickleby; you never know when he's done with you, and if you're in for a penny, you're in for a pound.””

“Nothing venture, nothing win - / Blood is thick, but water's thin - / In for a penny, in for a pound - / It's love that makes the world go round!”

“Under the circumstances it seemed to be a case of ‘in for a penny, in for a pound’. If the Institute’s team were still prepared to accept the challenge, the Administration was willing to do likewise…”

“…in for a penny, in for a pound: if one undertakes something, it must be carried through at whatever cost.”

“Turning before the mirror, she studied the gown she’d spent much of her savings on in Belle Terre. “Okay, but not great. In for a penny, in for a pound. Soon I have to get a job.””

“I rummaged in my bag for Miss Addie’s keys, turned off the car, and marched purposefully toward the building. “‘In for a penny, in for a pound’”, I mumbled under my breath as I pushed open the door and headed for the elevator.”

“It appears to be a situation where the greenhouse proponents are in for a penny, in for a pound. As long as the myth needs to be kept alive, this is the inescapable conclusion.”

CEFR level