- English translation
Since you're leaving anyway, go ahead and disgrace yourself as much as you like.
- Literal wording
As long as [you are] going, pile up the scandals.
- Meaning and lesson
The saying captures, usually with criticism or irony rather than as real advice, the attitude of a person who is about to leave and no longer cares how others see them. Because they will not remain among these people, the usual restraint of shame disappears, and they feel free to act as outrageously as they wish.
More broadly, it observes that a sense of accountability depends on expecting to stay within a community. When someone knows they will soon be gone and will never meet the consequences, the social pressure that normally keeps conduct in check loses its hold, and reckless behavior can follow.
- When it is used
Fits remarks about someone on the verge of leaving a place, job, or circle who starts behaving badly because they will not face those people again. It can also be said wryly to such a person, mocking the logic of 'nothing to lose.'
Cite or copy proverb
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: Since you're leaving anyway, go ahead and disgrace yourself as much as you like.