the thin end of the wedge

noun phrase

British
: the beginning of something that will become more serious, unpleasant, etc.
The bank's decision to raise rates could be the thin end of the wedge if other banks follow along.

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Cite this Entry

“The thin end of the wedge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20thin%20end%20of%20the%20wedge. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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