In for a penny, in for a pound

phrase

If you start something, you should complete it, even if it involves more effort, time or money than you originally thought.

Since we've already spent so much time on this project, we might as well see it through to the end –in for a penny, in for a pound.

Idiomatic

phrase

Since we've already spent so much time on this project, we might as well see it through to the end –in for a penny, in for a pound.

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1

Pro Tip 1/3

Use this phrase to show determination to see a task through, no matter the challenges.

We're halfway up the mountain, in for a penny, in for a pound.

Pro Tip 2/3

Originally referred to the British currency, implying a small risk escalating to a larger one.

I bet £10 on the game, but with such odds, in for a penny, in for a pound—I'll bet £50.

Pro Tip 3/3

More common in British English, so be aware of your audience when using it.

He decided to study in the UK for a semester and ended up getting a degree—in for a penny, in for a pound.

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