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  What it means

  “From a little string to a strap, from a strap to a horse, and after the horse, the gallows.” Small thefts lead to bigger thefts, and then to ruin. It warns that petty crime can grow until it ends badly.

  English equivalent

  He that will steal an egg will steal an ox.

  Vocabulary

  • łyczko — little strip of bark, tiny string (diminutive of łyko)
  • rzemyczek — small strap, thong (diminutive of rzemień)
  • koniczek — little horse (diminutive of koń)
  • szubieniczka — little gallows (diminutive of szubienica)

  Grammar note

  All nouns appear in the genitive after 'od' (from) or 'do/po' (to/after). The diminutive forms (-czko, -czek, -niczka) give the proverb a deceptively gentle, sing-song tone that contrasts with its grim conclusion.

  Cultural context

  The growing list of diminutives gives the saying a nursery-rhyme rhythm, making the final word 'szubieniczka' (gallows) more shocking. It was used to warn children against even small acts of dishonesty.

  Intermediate

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