give someone an inch and someone will take a mile: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKGeneralidiomaticproverbialMachine
  • If a person is granted a small concession or allowance, they will exploit it by taking much more than was offered.

  Examples

  Beta

  • If you give her an inch, she’ll take a mile and expect even more favors next time.

    Si le das un centímetro, ella tomará un kilómetro y esperará aún más favores la próxima vez.

  • The landlord gave the tenants an inch by reducing the rent slightly, but they took a mile by asking for other discounts.

    El casero les dio un poco de ventaja bajando el alquiler, pero ellos aprovecharon para pedir otros descuentos.

  • Don’t let him borrow your car just once; you know he’ll take a mile if you give him an inch.

    No le prestes el coche solo una vez; sabes que si le das un centímetro, tomará un kilómetro.