tanto va la gatta al lardo, che ci lascia lo zampino

Italian

Etymology

Literally, “the (female) cat goes so often to the lard that she leaves her paw there”.

This is in reference to the chopping block where lard is sliced. A cat continually stealing lard from the chopping block eventually loses its paw.

Proverb

tanto va la gatta al lardo, che ci lascia lo zampino

1. you won't get away with something for ever; at some point you will leave a clue and be found out
2. to get one's just deserts
3. justice always prevails

Usage notes

• This might also be loosely translated as curiosity killed the cat.