give somebody an inch

give somebody an ˈinch (and they’ll ˌtake a ˈyard/ˈmile)

(saying) if you say yes to somebody for a small request, they will want much more: I said Joe could borrow my car occasionally, and then he started to borrow it every night! Give him an inch...!
See also: give, inch, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • steal
  • give an inch and they'll take a mile
  • parentals
  • cadge
  • you can dispense with (something)
  • unit
  • a (unit of time) or two
  • a day, moment, etc. or two
  • rentals
  • beg, borrow, or steal
References in periodicals archive
The old idiom 'Give somebody an inch and they'll take a mile' springs to mind!