How to Pronounce "give an inch and he'll take a yard"
expression
Definition
This expression means that if you are generous or lenient with someone, they might take advantage and ask for much more than you offered.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡɪv/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɪntʃ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈhiɫ/ /ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈjɑɹd
British English
ɡˈɪv/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈɪntʃ/ /ˈænd/ /hiːl/ /tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /jˈɑːd
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GIV-uhn-INCH-uhnd-HEEL-TAYK-uh-YARD
UK
giv-UN-INCH-and-HEEL-TAYK-ey-YAAD
Listen in Context
If you give an inch and he'll take a yard, he might keep asking for more and more.
Mom says, "Don't give an inch and he'll take a yard with your brother, or he'll expect you to do his chores every time."
Be careful at work—if you give an inch and he'll take a yard, your coworkers might take advantage.
"I let him borrow my bike once, and now he expects to use it every weekend!" "Yeah, that's what happens if you give an inch and he'll take a yard."