(you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "(you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Zesty Y calendar 2022-05-17 03:05

Meaning of (you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb

(you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb saying

If someone says I might/may as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb, they mean that since they will face the same punishment for a crime, wrongdoing, and an even worse one, they are opting to do the worse one.

 

I’m already late, but I’ll continue to sleep 30 minutes more. May as well be hanged for a sheep as for a lamb.

I know your mom will scold you for eating sweets, but you've already eaten two candies, so why not eat two more? You may as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb.' the serial killer said.

Origin of (you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb

Already a proverb in John Ray's 1678 collection, this expression alludes to the old punishment for stealing sheep, which was hanging no matter what the age or size of the animal.

The Origin Cited: The free dictionary .
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TODAY
in any (way,) shape or form

in any way at all

Example:

I will not accept it in any way, shape or form.

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