What does “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” mean?

"He that will steal an egg will steal an ox" means that someone who engages in small acts of dishonesty is likely to continue to escalate their behavior to more significant offenses.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I caught him stealing a pen from my desk. You know what they say, he that will steal an egg will steal an ox.

Example

She cheated on a small quiz, and now she's cheating on all her exams. It's true what they say, he that will steal an egg will steal an ox.

Example

He started by taking a few dollars from the cash register, and now he's embezzling thousands. *He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.

Is “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” effectively in context?

You can use "He that will steal an egg will steal an ox" to convey the idea that someone who engages in small acts of dishonesty is likely to continue to escalate their behavior to more significant offenses. It serves as a warning about the potential for a person's dishonesty to grow over time. For example, if you catch a friend lying about something minor, you might say, 'Be careful, you know what they say, "he that will steal an egg will steal an ox."'

1Friendship
After discovering that her friend had been spreading rumors about her, she realized that he that will steal an egg will steal an ox and decided to distance herself from that person.
2Workplace
When a coworker was caught taking office supplies home, the manager reminded everyone that he that will steal an egg will steal an ox, and implemented stricter inventory controls.
3Relationships
After finding out that her partner had been dishonest about their finances, she realized that he that will steal an egg will steal an ox, and ended the relationship.

Similar phrases to “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.”:

Give him an inch and he'll take a mile

Someone who takes advantage of a small opportunity will exploit it to the fullest extent

Example

I let him borrow my car once, and now he's always asking for favors. Give him an inch and he'll take a mile.

A leopard can't change its spots

People cannot change their essential nature, especially negative traits or behaviors

Example

He promised to stop lying, but he's still deceiving people. A leopard can't change its spots.

Once a thief, always a thief

Someone who has engaged in theft in the past is likely to continue stealing in the future

Example

He served his time in prison, but I still don't trust him. Once a thief, always a thief.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "He that will steal an egg will steal an ox" is unknown.

Is “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "He that will steal an egg will steal an ox" is not as commonly used in everyday conversation as some other proverbs, but it is still known and understood by many English speakers. It may be more frequently used in formal or written contexts, such as literature or discussions about ethics and morality.

What tone does “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” have?

"He that will steal an egg will steal an ox" conveys a cautionary tone. It warns against trusting individuals who engage in small acts of dishonesty, as they may be inclined to commit larger offenses in the future.

Can “He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "He that will steal an egg will steal an ox" is considered formal. It is often used in more serious or intellectual discussions about human behavior, ethics, or morality. While it may not be commonly used in casual conversations, it can still be understood and appreciated in various settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

The phrase is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She realized that he had lied about something small, and she knew that "he that will steal an egg will steal an ox."' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Remember, "he that will steal an egg will steal an ox."' to imply the potential for escalating dishonesty.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

small thieves are also great ones
a little thief is a great thief
a thief is a thief no matter how small
a thief is a thief whether he steals a diamond or a cucumber
a thief is a thief, be it an egg or an elephant