give them an inch and they'll take a mile

== English == === Alternative forms === give someone an inch and someone will take a mile === Etymology === A modified variant of the expression give them an inch and they'll take an ell, adjusted for the obsolescence of the ell due to the standardization of the imperial system. === Proverb === give them an inch and they'll take a mile Granting someone a limited concession will encourage them to take greater liberties. Synonyms: give them an inch and they'll take an ell, give someone an inch and he'll take a yard ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ====