Meaning of the word "little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape" in English
What does "little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.
little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape
US /ˈlɪt.əl θivz ɑːr hæŋd, bʌt ɡreɪt wʌnz ɪˈskeɪp/
UK /ˈlɪt.əl θiːvz ɑː hæŋd, bʌt ɡreɪt wʌnz ɪˈskeɪp/
Idiom
small-scale criminals are often punished severely, while those who commit major crimes or hold power often avoid punishment
Example:
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The clerk was fired for a small error while the CEO kept his bonus despite the scandal; truly, little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape.
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It is a sad reality of justice that little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape.