thin end of the wedge

English

Alternative forms

• small end of the wedge
• thin edge of the wedge

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU):

  (file)

Noun

the thin end of the wedge

1. (idiomatic) Something that if allowed or accepted to a small degree would lead to systematic encroachment.

   The MP told parliament that legalising cannabis would be the thin end of the wedge.

See also

• give them an inch and they'll take a mile