English / proverb
Give Them an Inch and They'll Take an Ell
MEANING IN ENGLISH
An archaic saying meaning that giving a small concession causes someone to demand an unreasonably large privilege
In context
01
The veteran host warned that with demanding guests, give them an inch and they'll take an ell.
02
Remember the proverb 'give them an inch and they'll take an ell' when negotiating festival booth permits.
Synonyms
take an ell,demand excessive concessions,exploit leniency
Antonyms
settle for fair terms,show restraint,respect bounds
Collocations
give an inch take an ell,take an ell,old proverb