idiom 'hanged for a sheep as a lamb'

[bureaucracy]

Good evening. Today I want to ask you about the meaning (or, more precisely, understanding) of the idiom above (the one written as the title).
So, does it mean that the person to whom we say 'hanged for a sheep as a lamb' will be severely punished even though he or she doesn't deserve it and that, because of this fact, they should take all advantages of their life they can? Or do you understand this idiom somewhat differently?

 

[bureaucracy]

If I am somehow.. unclear, just tell me. I promise I will make it clear for you.

 

[SoothingDave]

I have never heard this "idiom." Where did you see it? What is the context?

 

[bureaucracy]

Hanged for a sheep as a lamb - Idiom Definition - UsingEnglish.com
I am just asking whether my understanding of this idiom is correct.

 

[bureaucracy]

In general, I am asking whether my concept of innocency/minor offense in 'lamb' and maturity/felony in 'sheep' is correct. I just want to make it as simple for you as I can.

 

[SoothingDave]

It means if you are going to do something wrong (and risk punishment), you might as well set your sights high and enjoy it.

Say you would go to jail for 5 years for stealing a car. Then, you might as well steal a nice car. If you have robbed one bank, you might as well go on a bank robbing spree.

If you are going to hate the punishment, you should at least enjoy the crime.

 

[SoothingDave]

In general, I am asking whether my concept of innocency/minor offense in 'lamb' and maturity/felony in 'sheep' is correct. I just want to make it as simple for you as I can.

No, it has to do with the magnitude of the crime.

 

[emsr2d2]

In general, I am asking whether my concept of innocency/minor offense in 'lamb' and maturity/felony in 'sheep' is correct. I just want to make it as simple for you as I can.

You don't need to make it simple for us! We are the native speakers and we understand our idioms. Usually, we need to make the explanations as simple as possible for the learners. SoothingDave's post #6 is a great explanation of the idiom.

With reference to your posts #1 and #2, please don't chase up responses only an hour after posting. Be patient.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Hanged for a sheep as a lamb - Idiom Definition - UsingEnglish.com
I am just asking whether my understanding of this idiom is correct.

The definition in your link didn't seem to fit the idiom. I looked it up and I found a phrase that made more sense.

Look here: you might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb - definition in the British English Dictionary & Thesaurus - Cambridge Dictionaries Online

 

[bureaucracy]

The definition in your link didn't seem to fit the idiom. I looked it up and I found a phrase that made more sense.

Look here: you might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb - definition in the British English Dictionary & Thesaurus - Cambridge Dictionaries Online

Yeah, that makes a lot more sense.