Significado
Small crimes lead to bigger ones later.
Contexto cultural
In traditional villages, stealing a 'bou' (ox) was a crime that could lead to being cast out of the community, as it destroyed a neighbor's livelihood. Today, the proverb is frequently used in social media comments to criticize politicians caught in corruption scandals, no matter how small. The proverb is equally popular in the Republic of Moldova, often used with the same emphasis on 'cei șapte ani de acasă'. The concept of 'small theft leading to big theft' is a shared Balkan value, reflecting a history where trust was the primary currency in small communities.
The Rhyme is Key
If you forget the exact words, just remember 'ou' and 'bou'. The rhyme is what makes it sound natural to a native speaker.
Don't be too literal
If you use this when someone literally loses an egg, it will sound very confusing. It's almost always about the moral principle of theft.
Significado
Small crimes lead to bigger ones later.
The Rhyme is Key
If you forget the exact words, just remember 'ou' and 'bou'. The rhyme is what makes it sound natural to a native speaker.
Don't be too literal
If you use this when someone literally loses an egg, it will sound very confusing. It's almost always about the moral principle of theft.
The Trailing Off Effect
To sound like a native, say 'Cine fură azi un ou...' and just nod. Everyone knows the rest!
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct words.
Cine fură azi un ___, mâine va fura un ___.
The traditional proverb uses 'ou' (egg) and 'bou' (ox) because they rhyme and represent small vs. large value.
When is it appropriate to use this proverb?
A child takes a small toy from a friend without asking. What do you say?
This proverb is used to teach children that small thefts lead to bigger ones.
Match the Romanian parts of the proverb.
Match the beginning to the end.
The proverb is a two-part conditional statement.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
Andrei: 'Am găsit un portofel și am oprit 10 lei din el.' Maria: 'Nu e bine, Andrei! ______'
Maria is warning Andrei that his small theft will lead to bigger crimes.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosCine fură azi un ___, mâine va fura un ___.
The traditional proverb uses 'ou' (egg) and 'bou' (ox) because they rhyme and represent small vs. large value.
A child takes a small toy from a friend without asking. What do you say?
This proverb is used to teach children that small thefts lead to bigger ones.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
The proverb is a two-part conditional statement.
Andrei: 'Am găsit un portofel și am oprit 10 lei din el.' Maria: 'Nu e bine, Andrei! ______'
Maria is warning Andrei that his small theft will lead to bigger crimes.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasYes, it is extremely common in parenting and political discussions in Romania.
Yes, it is often extended to any small act of dishonesty that could lead to bigger ones.
A 'bou' is an ox—a castrated bull used for labor on a farm.
An egg was historically the smallest, most common item of value on a farm.
The standard proverb uses 'fură' (present tense) to describe the habit.
It's not rude, but it is a serious accusation. Use it as a warning, not a joke.
They understand it, but they might use it ironically or when talking about 'serious' adults.
Not a formal one, but people might joke: 'Cine fură azi un ou, mâine fură un BMW.'
People will understand you, but the rhyme will be lost and it will sound 'off'.
Yes, they are almost identical: 'Qui vole un œuf vole un bœuf.'
Frases relacionadas
Minciuna are picioare scurte
similarLies don't travel far; you will be caught.
Lupu-și schimbă părul, dar năravul ba
similarA person's character doesn't change.
Paza bună trece primejdia rea
contrastGood vigilance prevents danger.
Hoțul neprins e negustor cinstit
contrastA thief who isn't caught is considered an honest merchant.
