| proverb |
if you agree to carry the calf, they'll make you carry the cow; give him an inch and he'll take a mile (used to mean: if you grant some people a small favour, it only encourages them to take much more than they are offered); give him an inch and he'll take an ell (used to mean: if you grant some people a small favour, it only encourages them to take much more than they are offered); give him an inch and he'll take a yard (used to mean: if you grant some people a small favour, it only encourages them to take much more than they are offered); give him a ring, and he'll want your whole arm; give him a finger and he'll take the whole arm; give him an inch and he'll take an ell (дословно: Дай ему вершок, он все три аршина отхватит) |
