one may as well hang for a sheep as a lamb

English

Alternative forms

Numerous variants, generally following this pattern: one may/might as well hang/be hanged/be hung for a sheep as [for] a lamb.

Etymology

Referring to hanging as a former means of execution for one who had stolen an animal.

Proverb

one may as well hang for a sheep as a lamb

If one is going to commit a sin, it may as well be a major one as a minor one.

Translations

Translations

Chinese:
Mandarin: 一不做二不休 (zh)

Japanese: 毒を喰らわば皿まで (dokuwokurawabasaramade)
Russian: семь бед — оди́н отве́т (ru) (semʹ bed — odín otvét)

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