Meaning of the word "he that steals an egg will steal an ox" in English

What does "he that steals an egg will steal an ox" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

he that steals an egg will steal an ox

US /hi ðæt stilz æn ɛɡ wɪl stil æn ɑks/
UK /hi ðæt stiːlz ən ɛɡ wɪl stiːl ən ɒks/
"he that steals an egg will steal an ox" picture

Idiom

a person who commits a small crime or dishonest act will eventually commit much larger and more serious ones

Example:
You should punish him for taking that candy without asking; remember, he that steals an egg will steal an ox.
The manager fired the clerk for petty theft, believing that he that steals an egg will steal an ox.