# thin end of the wedge

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/thin-end-of-the-wedge
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something that if allowed or accepted to a small degree would lead to systematic encroachment.

## Examples

- Allowing this small change is the thin end of the wedge.
- If we let them skip this one rule, it could be the thin end of the wedge for our entire policy.
- Many critics argued that the new legislation was merely the thin end of the wedge, fearing it would eventually erode fundamental civil liberties.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.