How to Pronounce "give an inch and he'll take a mile"
expression
GIV-uhn-INCH-uhnd-heel-TAYK-uh-MYL
GIV-uhn-INCH-and-HEEL-TAYK-ay-MYL
Definition
This expression means that if you allow someone a small favor or concession, they will try to take much more than you intended.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɡɪv/ /ˈæn/, /ən/ /ˈɪntʃ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈhiɫ/ /ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈmaɪɫ
British English
ɡˈɪv/ /ˈɐn/ /ˈɪntʃ/ /ˈænd/ /hiːl/ /tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /mˈaɪl
Simplified Pronunciation
US
GIV-uhn-INCH-uhnd-heel-TAYK-uh-MYL
UK
GIV-uhn-INCH-and-HEEL-TAYK-ay-MYL
Listen in Context
If you give an inch and he'll take a mile, he'll keep asking for more help.
My mom warned me, 'give an inch and he'll take a mile' when I let my brother borrow my bike.
Don't give an inch and he'll take a mile with kids, or they will never listen to you.
You let Sam come in late once, and now he expects it every day. Give an inch and he'll take a mile!