about a proverb in wind waker

Ankle
Birthplace:Unknown
Favorite Proverb: "One may as well hang for a stolen sheep as for a
stolen lamb,"

-Since being taught how to decipher maps by his older brother Tingle,
Ankle has been supporting his
good-for-nothing twin brother Knuckle. The only time he feels he can
truly be himself is when he's
tending to the Tingle Island flower garden.

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i am trying to translate each character's profile in ww to my language~

now i just get quite confused about meaning of the proverb. Any one can explain a little bit? really appreciated

Strictly, it’s a justification or excuse for going on to commit some greater offence once one has perpetrated a minor one.

Originally Posted by Aziel Satori

Strictly, it’s a justification or excuse for going on to commit some greater offence once one has perpetrated a minor one.

thanks for ur explanation