How Do You Spell THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE?

Pronunciation: [ðə θˈɪn ˈɛnd ɒvðə wˈɛd͡ʒ] (IPA)

The phrase "the thin end of the wedge" is a common expression used to describe a situation where a small or seemingly insignificant event could lead to more serious and negative consequences. The spelling of this phrase is straightforward and is pronounced as /ðə θɪn ɛnd ɒv ðə wɛdʒ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The th sound at the beginning of "the" is pronounced with a voiced and dental fricative, while the "w" in "wedge" is pronounced with a labio-velar approximant sound.

THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE Meaning and Definition

1. "The thin end of the wedge" is an idiomatic expression that is predominantly used in British English. It refers to a seemingly innocuous or small initial action or decision that is the starting point for a much larger, often negative, consequence or development. The phrase is derived from the image of a wedge, which is a simple tool that gradually increases in width at one end.

   Metaphorically speaking, "the thin end of the wedge" suggests that the initial action or decision is the beginning of a process or chain of events leading to a more substantial, irreversible change or unfavorable outcome. It implies that, like when inserting a wedge, the initial action may appear insignificant but can cause far-reaching and often unintended consequences.

   The expression is often used when discussing political, social, or cultural issues to warn against taking seemingly small actions that may lead to much larger, undesirable ones. For example, proponents of free speech might argue that censoring certain types of speech can be viewed as the thin end of the wedge, potentially leading to an erosion of overall freedom of expression.

   In general, "the thin end of the wedge" serves as a reminder to carefully consider the potential ramifications of seemingly small or insignificant actions, as they may have far greater implications in the future.

Common Misspellings for THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE

• rhe thin end of the wedge
• fhe thin end of the wedge
• ghe thin end of the wedge
• yhe thin end of the wedge
• 6he thin end of the wedge
• 5he thin end of the wedge
• tge thin end of the wedge
• tbe thin end of the wedge
• tne thin end of the wedge
• tje thin end of the wedge
• tue thin end of the wedge
• tye thin end of the wedge
• thw thin end of the wedge
• ths thin end of the wedge
• thd thin end of the wedge
• thr thin end of the wedge
• th4 thin end of the wedge
• th3 thin end of the wedge
• the rhin end of the wedge
• the fhin end of the wedge

Idioms with the word THE THIN END OF THE WEDGE

• the thin end of the wedge The idiom "the thin end of the wedge" refers to a minor or seemingly insignificant action or decision that, if allowed or accepted, can lead to much greater problems or consequences in the future.