In For a Penny In For a Pound Meaning, Examples, Synonyms and Quiz

In for a penny, in for a pound is an English language idiom meaning once you have committed a particular course of action or taken a decision, you must be committed to it with all your heart and mind, regardless of the potential consequences or risks involved in it.

This phrase, ‘In for a penny, in for a pound’ first originated in the UK and is mostly associated with gambling and betting. In the context of gambling, it suggests that if you are already willing to risk a small amount of money, that is, a penny, you might increase your bet and risk a larger amount (a pound). This idiom denotes the willingness to accept the potential consequences or losses that come with the initial decision.

Also read – List of Idioms and Phrases for IELTS

Usage With Example

The phrase ‘In for a penny, in for a pound’ is frequently used in situations where someone has already used or committed a particular course of action or decision and is now in a dilemma to either go back or indulge more and face the consequences.

Here’s an example of ‘In a penny, in a pound’ with use in a sentence – ‘He’s already in for a penny, in for a pound. If he truly believes in the venture, he should invest more and give it a fair chance.’ This means that this person has already invested a small amount of money in a risky venture and when he is faced with the option of investing more money with the potential to increase the returns or to make it more beneficial.

Here’s a list of some of the examples of the ‘In for a penny, In for a pound’ idiom, that will give you ideas on how to use them in a sentence.

• ‘Remember, in for a penny, in for a pound. You’ve already invested time and resources into this business. Don’t give up now; commit fully and work towards success.’
• ‘It’s a tough road, but remember, in for a penny, in for a pound. You’ve come this far, and quitting now would mean wasting all the effort you’ve put in. Keep pushing forward and give it everything you’ve got.’
• ‘If you want to quit, I’ll understand.’ ‘No, I’m sure we can do this. In for a penny, in for a pound.’

Also Read: Idioms with Examples

Synonyms and Similar Words to In For a Penny In For a Pound

There are a lot of similar phrases or synonyms to the idiom ‘In for a penny, in for a pound’. Here’s a list of some of the popular similar phrases to in for a penny, in for a pound:

• There’s no stopping someone
• Where there’s a will, there’s a way
• Wild horses couldn’t…
• If it’s the last thing I do.

Also, read – Useful Idioms for IELTS That Will Boost Your Score

In For a Penny In For a Pound Meaning Quiz

He’s going in for a penny, in for a pound because:

1. He’s already invested half of his money.
2. He enjoys wasting his time
3. He lives on rent

Ans. He’s already invested half of his money.

This was all about the idiom in for a penny in for a pound meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.