proverb · Words worth keeping
He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.
He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
A willingness to commit a small theft can raise concern about a larger one. The egg and ox exaggerate an escalation that should be examined rather than assumed.
Example
A group addresses a small unauthorised taking clearly and fairly instead of ignoring it or declaring that the person can never change.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The saying treats an initial dishonest act as evidence of where a person may go next. It can encourage taking a breach of trust seriously instead of dismissing it solely because the item is small. Yet one act does not prove an inevitable future or reveal everything about a person’s character. A careful reading allows accountability and repair while assessing actual conduct and risk.
When to use it
Use it to discuss a breach of trust without pretending to predict every later action.
Keep in mind
A small offence does not prove that a larger one will follow.
An interpretation of the words, not a claim about their earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Date unknown
- Culture
- English